Heavy drinking linked with lasting impact on the brain, study finds

Heavy drinking increases the risk of brain injury. This is linked to memory and thinking problems. A new study defines heavy drinking as eight or more alcoholic drinks per week.

The study was published in the journal Neurology. It comes at a time when awareness of alcohol use disorder is growing. Clinicians and public health advocates are focusing on excessive alcohol consumption.

To discuss this, I spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a CNN wellness expert. She is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. Previously, she served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: What does this new study show about alcohol and possible brain damage?

Dr. Leana Wen: The study analyzed over 1,700 people who died at an average age of 75. Researchers examined their brain tissue for signs of injury. They looked for lesions like hyaline arteriolosclerosis and tau tangles linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Family members reported on participants’ alcohol consumption habits. Participants were divided into four groups: nondrinkers, moderate drinkers (seven or fewer drinks weekly), heavy drinkers (eight or more drinks weekly), and former heavy drinkers.

Heavy drinkers had a 133% higher chance of having hyaline arteriolosclerosis compared to nondrinkers. Former heavy drinkers had an 89% higher risk, while moderate drinkers had a 60% higher risk.

Heavy drinkers also faced increased odds of developing tau tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, they tended to die an average of 13 years earlier than nondrinkers.

These results strongly link heavy drinking to lasting brain damage. Even former heavy drinkers showed evidence of sustained harm, though stopping drinking lowers risks.

However, there are limitations to this study. The findings suggest associations but do not prove cause and effect. The study did not measure how long participants drank or differentiate between regular light drinkers and sporadic heavy drinkers.

CNN: What is already known about how alcohol affects the brain?

Wen: Alcohol can disrupt communication pathways in the brain temporarily. This makes it harder to think clearly, coordinate movements, balance, speak, and make judgments. High amounts consumed quickly can impair vital functions like breathing and heart rate control.

People with alcohol use disorder may experience progressive changes in their brains affecting cognition. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can lead to permanent memory loss due to severe alcohol use. Smaller amounts have been linked to premature aging and brain shrinkage.

Given many studies on alcohol's effects on the brain, these findings are not surprising.

CNN: How much alcohol is considered too much?

Wen: Adults should limit themselves to one drink daily for women and two for men according to U.S guidelines. However, these guidelines are controversial; some experts warn even moderate drinking may increase cancer risks.

Some individuals following these guidelines could still be classified as heavy drinkers by this study's standards. For example, a man could have two drinks daily for five days a week—totaling ten drinks weekly—exceeding the eight-drink threshold linked with brain injury signs.

Binge drinking is another concern defined as four or more drinks for women or five for men in one occasion by the CDC. Binge drinking raises risks for injuries like car accidents and falls due to high blood alcohol levels causing organ stress.

CNN: Does excessive drinking lead to addiction? How can people recognize problem drinking?

Wen: There are two related issues here—drinking above recommended levels regularly or binge drinking can cause long-term problems affecting various organs including the brain.

Another issue involves physiological dependence from alcohol leading to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Nearly 29 million Americans aged 12 and older meet criteria for AUD diagnosis which includes loss of control over drinking habits and withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol.

Self-questionnaires can help screen for problem drinking behaviors in oneself or loved ones. It's essential that everyone knows effective treatments exist for AUD so no one has to suffer alone.

CNN: Is total abstinence necessary or can people maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol?

Wen: This topic sparks debate among clinicians and public health experts; generally less consumption is better advised. Medical professionals won’t encourage non-drinkers to start consuming alcohol either since excessive intake poses significant risks including binge drinking consequences.

Defining what constitutes heavy use remains unclear; research shows even moderate consumption might have negative effects based on recent studies like this one.

However, it's possible for some individuals to maintain healthy relationships with alcohol through sobriety challenges such as Dry January or Sober October which help assess personal habits regarding intake frequency and emotional triggers behind their choices.

If someone finds they’re using alcohol as an emotional crutch or feels ashamed about their intake level—it signals they should seek help from mental health specialists or primary care providers.

Those who consume heavily should avoid sudden cessation without medical guidance due potential withdrawal dangers; cutting back should always occur under professional supervision.