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Will a Chardonnay a Day Keep Dementia at Bay?

It might, according to the latest findings from the Nurses' Health Study.

In the latest report from the Nurses' Health Study, investigators describe the effects of moderate levels of alcohol intake on cognitive function in older women. Between 1995 and 2001, 12,480 women (age range, 70-81) underwent cognitive evaluations during telephone interviews; 11,102 of these women were evaluated again an average of 2 years later. Before their baseline evaluations, the women had reported their level of alcohol intake. Twelve ounces of beer, four ounces of wine, or one "standard drink" of hard liquor was classified as one drink. About half of the cohort were nondrinkers, 44% consumed up to one drink daily (i.e., moderate drinkers), and 5% consumed one to two drinks daily.

Analyses were adjusted for age, BMI, level of physical activity, education, and various health factors. Compared with nondrinkers, moderate drinkers were at significantly lower risk for cognitive impairment at baseline (relative risk, 0.77); likewise, moderate drinkers had a significantly lower risk for substantial cognitive decline over 2 years (RR, 0.85). These risk reductions were observed regardless of the type of alcoholic beverage consumed. Risk for cognitive impairment or decline did not differ significantly between women drinking one to two drinks daily and nondrinkers.

Comment: Moderate alcohol consumption is strongly linked with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, and most studies, including the current one, have found better cognitive function in moderate drinkers. Although these investigators controlled for an array of potentially confounding factors, in an observational study such as this, we cannot be sure whether the health advantages noted in moderate drinkers reflect the biologic impact of alcohol or a "healthy drinker effect" (i.e., those who choose to consume alcohol in moderate quantities are intrinsically healthier than others). Even for clinicians convinced of its benefits, recommending alcohol consumption is problematic because we cannot predict who will use this substance to excess.

— Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Published in Journal Watch Women's Health February 22, 2005

Citation(s):

Stampfer MJ et al. Effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cognitive function in women. N Engl J Med 2005 Jan 20; 352:245-53.

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