Researchers link low-level alcohol intake to reduced brain perfusion and thinner cortex
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 27
Researchers link low-level alcohol intake to reduced brain perfusion and thinner cortex
5 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · Apr 27
The US study examined 45 adults aged 22 to 70, averaging 21 drinks monthly, and found associations even below traditional 'low-risk' drinking limits.
MRI scans revealed that higher alcohol consumption correlated with lower brain blood flow and thinner cortex, effects that intensified with age and may accumulate over time.
The study adds to growing evidence questioning the existence of a 'safe' drinking level, though it notes limitations such as self-reported habits and a single time-point measurement.
If 'low-risk' drinking thins your brain's cortex, is a glass of wine truly better than a shot of spirits?
Could improving your mental well-being be the key to protecting your brain by naturally drinking less?
Is the combination of everyday stress and light drinking a hidden trigger for future cognitive decline?
How does even occasional drinking permanently alter the brain structure of someone under the age of 25?
Can your brain actually recover from decades of so-called 'moderate' social drinking if you quit now?
With global experts saying no alcohol is safe, why are official US health guidelines becoming more vague?