Many Britons enjoy a tipple with friends and family in social situations, while others unwind by pouring themselves a drink after a hard day.
But according to one doctor, a particular age group should consider cutting out the booze sooner rather than later. Over 65s might want to swap their whisky for water to protect their health.
Dr Richard Restak, author of How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert’s Guide to Long-Term Brain Health, said that drinking alcohol – particularly if you’re drinking a lot of it – can have a negative impact on your health.
He explained that it’s a “direct neurotoxin”, meaning a toxin that is destructive to nerve tissue.
A doctor recommended that those who are aged 65 or older should eliminate alcohol
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The expert said: “I strongly suggest that if you are 65 years old or older, that you completely and permanently eliminate alcohol from your diet.”
But while drinking alcohol can damage the brain, this is not the only reason mature people should consider cutting out alcohol.
Dr Restak stated: “Alcohol should also be seen in the context of frequent falls among the elderly.
“The death rates from falls is increasing, especially among elderly men.”
He added that falls are responsible for 70 per cent of accidental deaths in those aged 70 and above.
Consuming alcohol may be “particularly dangerous” for those over 65 who suffer with afflictions including a decline in strength, muscle atrophy and balance issues, in addition to taking medications.
Alzheimer’s Society shared some information on alcohol consumption and the risk of dementia.
The experts said: “There is enough evidence to show that excessive alcohol consumption increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.
‘Drinking more than 28 units per week can lead to a sharper decline in thinking skills as people get older’
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“Alcohol consumption above recommended limits (of 14 units per week) over a long period of time may shrink the parts of the brain involved in memory.
“Drinking more than 28 units per week can lead to a sharper decline in thinking skills as people get older.”
Drinking in moderation has not been conclusively linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, so those who already drink within the recommended guidelines do not have to stop in order to reduce their risk.
There is a similar syndrome to dementia caused by the over-consumption of alcohol, called Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.
Dr Restak said that the syndrome is “marked by a severe loss of recent memory” and is a result of “the direct effect of alcohol on the brain”.
