According to a new study published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease, alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can speed up brain atrophy, the loss of brain cells, and increase the amount of amyloid plaques, the dangerous protein buildup that occurs in Alzheimer′s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is observed in 60–80% of the affected population.

Dr. Shannon Macauley, PhD, an associate professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, stated that the findings of the study showed that alcohol might accelerate the pathological cascade of Alzheimer`s disease in its early stages.

In the study, the researchers used a 10-week chronic drinking approach where test subjects were given the choice to drink water or alcohol. This was followed by evaluating how voluntary, moderate alcohol use affected normal brain activity and behavior, as well as whether it changed the pathology linked to Alzheimer′s diseases early phases.

The amyloid-beta protein, a crucial part of the amyloid plaques that build up in Alzheimer′s disease, was found to be more prevalent after acute alcohol cessation. Subsequent investigation revealed that persistent alcohol consumption had a negative impact on both the brain and peripheral metabolism, which is another approach to hastening the pathogenesis of Alzheimer′s disease.

According to previous research by Dr. Macauley, amyloid-beta and amyloid plaques grow when blood sugar levels are increased. In the present study, the researchers showed that even moderate drinking increased blood sugar levels and indicators of insulin resistance, which raised the chance of developing not just Alzheimer′s disease but also other conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/alcohol-consumption-linked-to-acceleration-of-alzheimers-disease-research/98030972)