Several large-scale studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption, especially of red wine, may confer some health benefits. However, it must be emphasised that overindulgent alcohol intake is always harmful to brain health. Excessive consumption of ethanol, which is the alcohol found in beverages, interferes with neuronal function and potentially hinders neurogenesis.
Alcohol Contrary to popular belief, research has found that alcohol does not induce cellular death within the brain. Nevertheless, the effects of excess alcohol on the brain are far from benign. Excessive ethanol levels cause brain atrophy, a phenomenon characterised by a diminution of the size of neurons.
This is a dose-dependent relationship, with increased alcohol intake correlated with more cerebral shrinkage. Moreover, alcohol’s effects extend to the intricate network of dendrites, the extensions of nerve cells responsible for signal transmission. While not causing cellular death, excessive alcohol can compromise these delicate inter-connected structures, thereby disrupting neuronal communication.
This profound alteration in neural connectivity may cause the characteristic unsteady staggering observed in chronic drunks. Therefore, enjoying alcohol in moderation, or abstaining altogether, are the best ways to protect your brain from the damaging effects of excess alcohol. However, my favourite drink is red wine, and it turns out this is an interesting subject in itself.
For a start, red wine in .
