Can alcohol cause dementia: scientists answer A recent study examines the relationship between alcohol use and the risk of developing dementia, as well as changes in drinking patterns. Findings may help shape health recommendations for alcohol use.

Dementia is one of the most serious problems of the aging population worldwide, as it is associated with a loss of mental and physical independence.. Alcohol use is considered a risk factor for dementia, writes News Medical. The fact that it is modifiable makes it especially interesting..

Earlier studies have shown that dementia is more likely in people who drink heavily, while moderate drinking is associated with a lower risk.. Not much is known about how changes in alcohol consumption are associated with dementia risk.. Most studies use a “snapshot” design with a single assessment of alcohol consumption.

The current study examined a group of nearly four million people in South Korea with an average age of 55.. The data is from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service and includes information from two surveys conducted in 2009 and 2011..

The aim was to assess the impact of changing drinking patterns on dementia risk compared with both teetotalers and those who continued to drink heavily.. The study included almost equal parts of men and women.. No one had pre-existing dementia, cancer, or cardiovascular disease, and no one died within a year of the second examination.

Alcohol consumption levels were classified as none, mild, moderate and severe.. These categories accounted for ~55%, ~27%, 11% and ~7% respectively. The last three match Keywords:.