Science 

     One glass of wine per week can't hurt us, right? 

     Dementia, deterioration mentally, often comes with age. Is it treatable, or do we just accept what's normal in our advanced years?

     Studies suggest that moderate alcohol use does not increase risk of dementia. However, researchers from the USA and England found that any level of alcohol use is associated with increased risk of dementia.  

     The study observed nearly 560,000 adults ages 56 to 72. Their assessment of drinking habits over four years revealed a higher risk of dementia for both nondrinkers and heavy drinkers. So?

     A genetic analysis using Mendelian randomization - cough - estimated causal effects and genetic data from 2.4 million people to assess drinking in relation to dementia. While considering lifetime genetically predicted risk, they found that dementia risk increased with greater alcohol consumption. 

     The lead study author said, "Our findings challenge the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect - in fact, it suggests the opposite."                      Article by Heather Frank

     Can dementia be treated? We don't think so. But, it can be delayed to some extent. 

     So what does your blogger check on any of 17 risk factors for Alzheimer's disease? If you are in your 70s or older, what do you check?