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Even Moderate Drinking May Shrink Your Brain

Posted Oct 14, 08 5:30 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – That nightly glass of wine may be good for the heart, but apparently not for the brain. Researchers say that those who imbibe, even in moderate amounts, end up with slightly smaller brains, Health.com reports. The finding surprised scientists, who were seeking evidence that alcohol actually prevented such shrinkage. Abstainers fared best, averaging brains 1.5% larger than those of heavy drinkers in the study of nearly 2,000 people.

"We're talking very small differences here," says a doctor, who adds that "we have a long way to go to figure out the implications."

Source Health.com

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Moderate drinking may help prevent heart disease but it can cause brain shrinkage, which is linked to dementia.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Though men are more likely to be heavy drinkers, the link to brain volume is not as strong for them as women.   (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard)
Doctors say the implications of such small amounts of brain shrinkage are still unknown.   (AP Photo)
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alcohol • brain • scientific study • dementia • drinking


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