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According to a new study, there is an appealing new connection between moderate drinking and dementia. It said that moderate to heavy alcohol drinkers have the reduced risk of suffering from the condition when they get older, compared to those who don't drink at all.

Moderate Drinking And Dementia

According to CBS Baltimore, the study fromt the University of California, San Diego found out that alcohol drinkers are more likely to reach the age of 85 without developing dementia, as opposed to their sober counterparts. This research is the most recent one in a series of how dementia is affected by factors like diet, environment, and genetics.

So what is moderate drinking, anyway? It is characterized by consuming up to one alcoholic beverage daily for adult women of any age (also with aged 65 and older), per a UC San Diego statement. Additionally, heavy drinking is defined as up to three alcoholic beverages daily for all adult women, and men aged 65 and older.

Still Not Advisable For Everyone To Consume Alcohol

Per HealthDay, the researchers stressed that the study does not encourage everyone to consume alcohol daily to decrease the risk of developing dementia. "[The study] does not suggest drinking is responsible for increased longevity and cognitive health."

They added that consumption of alcohol, particularly wine, is associated with higher incomes and education levels. "This in turn are associated with lower rates of smoking, lower rates of mental illness and better access to health care." according to study author Erin Richard.  

Richard also said that many individuals have health conditions that can be worsened by alcohol. It is also notable that some individuals cannot limit their intake with just a glass or two a day. For these people, they are just putting their health in greater risks if they consume the beverage. 

Richard is a student in a joint doctoral program in public health at San Diego State University and UC San Diego. Stay tuned for more updates on moderate drinking and dementia.