A recent study published in April 2025 in the journal Neurology reveals that consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks weekly significantly increases the risk of dementia-related brain injuries.

Researchers examined the brains of 1,781 deceased individuals, averaging 75 years old, to assess the impact of alcohol on brain health.

This increased risk also extends to former heavy drinkers, highlighting a significant correlation between heavy alcohol consumption and dementia.

On average, heavy drinkers died 13 years earlier than non-drinkers, underscoring the severe long-term health effects of excessive drinking.

The study found that heavy drinkers had a 133% increased likelihood of having brain lesions, which are linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.

Moreover, heavy drinkers were found to have a 41% higher likelihood of developing tau tangles, a biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Emergency physician Leana Wen noted that while the findings are compelling, they indicate associations rather than causation, emphasizing the importance of a healthy relationship with alcohol.

Dr. Alberto Fernando Oliveira Justo, the study's author, highlighted the public health implications of heavy drinking and the need for preventive measures.

The findings reinforce the necessity for public health strategies aimed at reducing heavy drinking and promoting moderation in alcohol consumption.

In the study, one alcoholic drink was standardized to 14 grams of alcohol, equivalent to approximately 350 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of distilled spirits.

While the study suggests a link between heavy drinking and brain injury, it acknowledges limitations, including not assessing participants' health prior to death and lacking details on the duration of alcohol consumption.

Participants were categorized into four groups: non-drinkers, moderate drinkers (seven or fewer drinks per week), heavy drinkers (eight or more drinks per week), and former heavy drinkers.