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Month: April 2025

Alcohol consumption can cause dementia by harming the brain.

Alcohol consumption can cause dementia by harming the brain.

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This study, published in Neurology, provides compelling evidence of the negative impact of alcohol consumption on brain health, particularly in relation to vascular damage, brain atrophy, and dementia-related pathologies. Here’s a concise breakdown of the findings and their implications:

Key Findings:

  1. Alcohol Consumption & Brain Vascular Damage:
    • Moderate, heavy, and former heavy drinkers had a higher risk of hyaline arteriolosclerosis (thickening/narrowing of small brain blood vessels).
    • Heavy drinkers had a 133% increased risk of this condition.
  2. Brain Atrophy & Cognitive Decline:
    • Former heavy drinkers had lower brain weight and poorer cognitive function compared to never-drinkers.
    • Heavy drinking was linked to more neurofibrillary tangles (a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease).
  3. Indirect Cognitive Impact:
    • Alcohol did not directly impair cognition but appeared to damage blood vessels first, which then contributed to cognitive decline.

Study Details:

  • Participants: 1,781 deceased adults (avg. age 75) from Brazil, with brain autopsies.
  • Alcohol Categories:
    • Never drinkers (965 people).
    • Moderate drinkers (≤7 drinks/week).
    • Heavy drinkers (≥8 drinks/week).
    • Former heavy drinkers (quit ≤3 months before death).
  • Limitations:
    • Relied on family-reported alcohol use (potential inaccuracy).
    • Cross-sectional (cannot prove causation).
    • No long-term follow-up data.

Expert Takeaways:

  1. Even Moderate Drinking May Harm the Brain:
    • Vascular changes (hyaline arteriolosclerosis) were seen in all drinking groups, suggesting no safe threshold for alcohol regarding brain health.
  2. Former Heavy Drinkers Still at Risk:
    • Brain shrinkage and cognitive deficits persisted even after quitting, indicating long-term damage.
  3. Alcohol’s Role in Dementia Risk:
    • Heavy drinking may accelerate vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s pathology (neurofibrillary tangles).

Practical Implications:

  • Public Health Messaging:
    • No amount of alcohol is “safe” for brain health even moderate intake may contribute to vascular damage.
    • Heavy drinkers should be warned about irreversible brain atrophy and dementia risk.
  • Clinical Practice:
    • Screen for alcohol use in older patients with cognitive decline.
    • Encourage early reduction/cessation to mitigate vascular damage.
  • Future Research Needed:
    • Longitudinal studies to confirm causality.
    • Investigation into vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B1/thiamine) that may worsen alcohol-related brain damage.

Bottom Line:

This study adds to growing evidence that alcohol even in moderation harms brain structure and function, primarily through vascular damage. While more research is needed, the findings support limiting or avoiding alcohol to preserve long-term cognitive health.

Reference:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alcohol-related-brain-damage-arbd

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alcohol-related-dementia

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6957093

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcohol-use-could-contribute-to-dementia-by-damaging-the-brain

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/alzheimer-disease

Consuming fermented foods and a diet rich in fiber may help prevent inflammatory disorders.

Consuming fermented foods and a diet rich in fiber may help prevent inflammatory disorders.

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This study, published in Nature Medicine, provides compelling evidence of how quickly dietary changes can influence immune and metabolic health. Here’s a concise breakdown of the key findings and implications:

Key Findings:

  1. Western Diet (2 Weeks) → Harmful Effects:
    • Increased inflammation (elevated inflammatory markers, altered gene expression).
    • Weakened immune response (reduced ability to fight pathogens).
    • Disrupted metabolic pathways linked to lifestyle diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
  2. Traditional African Diet (2 Weeks) → Benefits:
    • Anti-inflammatory effects (reduced inflammatory markers).
    • Improved immune and metabolic health.
  3. Fermented Beverage (Mbege, 1 Week) → Additional Benefits:
    • Enhanced immune function, likely due to probiotics and bioactive compounds (e.g., flavonoids).

Dietary Comparisons:

  • Traditional African Diet: High in fiber, polyphenols, and whole foods (legumes, leafy greens, tubers, millet, sorghum). Supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
  • Western Diet: High in processed foods, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. Promotes inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.

Limitations:

  • Short study duration (2 weeks).
  • Small, male-only sample.
  • Unrestricted food intake may have influenced results.

Broader Implications:

  • Global Relevance: Even short-term dietary shifts can have lasting effects, reinforcing the importance of whole-food, plant-based diets (e.g., Mediterranean, Latin American, African diets) in preventing chronic diseases.
  • Cultural Preservation: Traditional diets offer health benefits while maintaining cultural heritage.
  • Public Health: Governments and health organizations should promote minimally processed, fiber-rich diets to combat rising lifestyle-related diseases.

Expert Takeaway:

As Dr. Holland noted, “Diet has a rapid and lasting impact on health.” Switching to heritage diets even temporarily could be a powerful tool for disease prevention.

References:

https://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=383041

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9915096

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diet-high-in-fiber-fermented-foods-could-keep-inflammatory-diseases-at-bay#Study-limitations-and-implications

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anti-inflammatory-diet

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available on below link

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/inflammation