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São Paulo, Brazil – April 23, 2025 – Consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week is associated with a significantly higher risk of developing specific brain lesions linked to memory and thinking problems, according to a new study published in Neurology. The research highlights a potential pathway through which alcohol consumption may impact long-term brain health.
The study, conducted using data from the Biobank for Aging Studies in Brazil, analyzed post-mortem brain tissue from nearly 1800 individuals (average age at death: 75 years). Researchers categorized participants based on their reported alcohol consumption history: nondrinkers, moderate drinkers (less than eight drinks weekly), heavy drinkers (eight or more drinks weekly), and former heavy drinkers. One drink, or “dose,” was defined as containing 14 grams of alcohol, equivalent to about 350 mL (12 oz) of beer, 150 mL (5 oz) of wine, or 45 mL (1.5 oz) of distilled spirits.
Researchers focused on identifying various brain pathologies, including hyaline arteriosclerosis – a condition involving the hardening and thickening of small arteries in the brain, which can restrict blood flow.
The findings revealed a strong association between alcohol consumption and this type of brain lesion. Compared to nondrinkers, individuals classified as heavy drinkers had a 133% higher risk (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.33) of having hyaline arteriosclerosis. Those identified as former heavy drinkers also showed an elevated risk of 89% (OR 1.89). Even moderate drinkers were found to have a 60% increased risk (OR 1.60) compared to those who abstained.
Furthermore, both current heavy drinkers and former heavy drinkers had a higher likelihood of exhibiting neurofibrillary tangles, another hallmark often associated with cognitive decline (OR 1.41 and 1.31, respectively).
Interestingly, while the study linked a history of heavy drinking (former heavy drinkers) to reduced overall brain mass and worse cognitive scores (as measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes), current moderate and heavy drinking did not show a direct significant association with lower cognitive scores in this analysis. However, the researchers found that overall alcohol use was indirectly associated with poorer cognitive abilities, suggesting that the effect might be mediated through the development of hyaline arteriosclerosis.
“We found heavy drinking is directly linked to signs of injury in the brain, and this can cause long-term effects on brain health, which may impact memory and thinking abilities,” stated lead investigator Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo from the University of São Paulo Medical School in a press release.
The study’s authors added, “Our findings contribute to the understanding of the complex relationship between alcohol consumption, vascular health, and cognitive decline, highlighting a potentially novel mechanism involving hyaline arteriolosclerosis.”
It is important to note the study’s limitations. As a cross-sectional study analyzing data at one point in time (post-mortem), it can only demonstrate associations, not definitively prove cause and effect. It lacked longitudinal data tracking alcohol use and cognitive function over time. Information on drinking habits and health was collected via reports from informants after the individuals’ deaths, and potential contributing factors like vitamin deficiencies were not assessed.
The Biobank for Aging Studies received funding from the Alzheimer’s Association. The study authors reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on findings from a single scientific study. Medical decisions should not be made based solely on this information. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption and brain health. The study shows an association, not causation, and further research is needed.
