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Drinking Slows Dementia

Add another item to list of alcohol-related miracles: It curbs cognitive decline

By J. Kelman, Newser User

Posted May 22, 2007 2:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – Score a victory for the nightcap: Booze may help halt dementia in the elderly, a new study suggests. The Italian research, published in the journal Neurology, concludes that a one-drink-a-day habit can slow the progression of dementia by 85% in those in people 65 and older who already show mild cognitive impairment.

Earlier research tied moderate alcohol consumption to decreased rates of dementia and even Alzheimer's. The new study is the first to indicate that alcohol offers benefits once mild impairment has set in—though its authors can't pinpoint how. They do know that wine is best, as is moderation: Consuming more than one drink per day led to no positive effect.

KRT LIFESTYLE STORY SLUGGED: ALZHEIMERS KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY EUGENE GARCIA/ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER (KRT Photos)

FOOD WBS-UNCORKED TB (KRT Photos)

(FILES) This file photo dated 31 October, 2006 shows a bottle... (Getty Images)

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Drinking Slows Dementia

Add another item to list of alcohol-related miracles: It curbs cognitive decline

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Low B12 Levels Tied to Brain Shrinkage, Memory Loss

Many adults deficient in crucial nutrient

'Pre-Dementia' on the Rise

Mild impairment strikes nearly a million elderly a year, especially men

Alzheimer's Less Prevalent Than Suspected

Study finds 10% of Americans over 71 afflicted

Education Staves Off Alzheimer's

But seems to speed progress of disease once it sets in

Smoking Linked to Alzheimer's

Smoking 'rusts' blood vessels, researchers find

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Drinking Slows Dementia

Add another item to list of alcohol-related miracles: It curbs cognitive decline

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health • elderly • dementia • alcohol • wine • drinking • neurology • Alzheimer's Disease

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Low B12 Levels Tied to Brain Shrinkage, Memory Loss

Many adults deficient in crucial nutrient

'Pre-Dementia' on the Rise

Mild impairment strikes nearly a million elderly a year, especially men

Alzheimer's Less Prevalent Than Suspected

Study finds 10% of Americans over 71 afflicted

Education Staves Off Alzheimer's

But seems to speed progress of disease once it sets in

Smoking Linked to Alzheimer's

Smoking 'rusts' blood vessels, researchers find

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?