According to the Ministry of Labour, Health and Solidarity, in France, alcohol consumption causes 49,000 deaths each year. Regular drinkers can cause significant health damage. Beyond two drinks per day for women and three drinks per day for men, alcohol is considered a major risk factor for certain cancers (mouth, throat, oesophagus, colon-rectum), liver diseases (cirrhosis) and pancreas, cardiovascular or psychological disorders. anxiety, depression, etc.).
Alcohol, a “direct neurotoxin”, impairs brain and memory function
Excessive consumption may also be associated with early onset dementia. In a given interview within the sun, Dr. Richard Restuck, a neurologist, likens alcohol to a “direct neurotoxin,” in other words, a substance that damages or destroys the functioning of the nervous system. This damage caused by alcohol can change our brain and memory.
To prevent these risks, the expert revealed the age at which alcohol should be completely avoided. “I strongly suggest that people 65 or older eliminate alcohol completely and permanently from their diet.” Recommended by the author of the book How to Prevent Dementia: An Expert’s Guide to Long-Term Brain Health. He also advises to reconsider your relationship with alcohol, regardless of age, when it is a means to calm your anger or relieve your anxiety.
Wernicke-Korschoff syndrome: Dementia associated with excessive alcohol consumption
According to neurologists, there is a specific dementia that can affect those who drink too much alcohol: Wernicke-Korskoff syndrome. It is characterized by “Severe loss of recent memory“and”Consequences of direct effects of alcohol on the brain“, described Doctor Richard Restuck. In the long term, excessive alcohol consumption can also cause vitamin B1 deficiency, which can cause this syndrome.
