Aging brain may amplify alcohol’s effects

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A recent study suggests that the impact of alcohol on the brain may intensify with age due to changes in brain structure and function. While tolerance to alcohol does not change as we age, we may feel alcohol’s effects more strongly because of age-related brain changes. As people age, the brain becomes more vulnerable to alcohol's neurotoxic effects, potentially leading to cognitive decline and increased risks of mental health issues. The research highlights the importance of understanding how aging influences alcohol’s effects, urging older adults to be mindful of their alcohol consumption to protect their brain health.

Source

Daviet, R., Aydogan, G., Jagannathan, K. et al. Associations between alcohol consumption and gray and white matter volumes in the UK Biobank. Nat Commun 13, 1175 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28735-5

Additional Reading

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/01/08/alcohol-tolerance-age/

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/one-alcoholic-drink-day-linked-reduced-brain-size

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-does-alcohol-affect-the-brain