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According to an American neurologist, beer consumption should be avoided from a certain age to avoid cognitive decline. And even if you are not yet concerned, moderation remains the rule…
Alcohol consumption, even at low doses, increases the risk of cancer, hemorrhagic stroke (CVA) and heart rhythm disorders, recalls Santé Publique France. What we didn’t know, however, is that beer, this drink very popular with the French, could affect memory, or even promote the onset of dementia. Explanations.
Beer should be stopped altogether from the age of 65
If alcohol consumption should be avoided on a daily basis, the American neurologist, neuropsychiatrist and professor Richard Restak says that beer, in particular, should be put aside from the age of 65.
The author of the book “The Complete Guide to Memory: The Science of Strengthening Your Mind” reveals that alcohol strongly alters brain functions, because of a “neurotoxin” which disrupts good communication between neurons.
And after 65, things get even more complicated. The aging process accelerates and the body undergoes biological changes that directly affect the brain. Neuronal loss and cognitive decline also occur more quickly.
Conclusion ? L’abstinence remains the best solution.
“It is essential to abstain from alcohol at a stage of life when the preservation of neurons is crucial“, he says, quoted by the media Surrey Live. He also specifies that among the elderly, drinking beer can be “particularly dangerous” due to cumulative damage.
An assertion, confirmed by Santé Publique France.
“After age 65, the consequences of alcohol consumption, even when considered moderate, can be harmful to health. Indeed, as we age, the body tolerates alcohol less well. For the same quantity of alcohol ingested, the blood alcohol level will be higher and the blood alcohol level will drop more slowly.“, reveals the agency in a press release.
Alcohol after 65: what good reflexes to adopt?
Getting older makes you more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Some elderly people are therefore surprised by their state of intoxication, even though this quantity of alcohol did not “pose a problem” until then. Excessive alcohol can more frequently lead to falls, cognitive problems, behavioral problems and mental confusion in seniors.
For all these reasons, Santé Publique France recommends adapting your habits and behavior when it comes to alcohol.
After age 65, it is recommended:
- For daily consumers, not to exceed one glass per day and try to have days in the week without consumption;
- For occasional consumers, not to exceed 2 glasses per occasion, to have at least 2 days without consumption during the week and not to exceed 7 glasses per week.
As for consumers of alcohol and medications, they must be extra vigilant regarding the risks involved: alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of medications or increase their side effects. The right attitude, in case of doubt or inconvenience? Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption.
It is therefore important to remember the new benchmarks for alcohol consumption:
- Maximum 10 glasses per week;
- Maximum 2 glasses per day,
- Days during the week without consumption.
In summary: “For your health, alcohol is a maximum of 2 glasses per day, and not every day.”
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