Alcohol and Dementia Risk: A Family Affair
If dementia runs in your family, you might be wondering if drinking alcohol could make your chances of getting it even higher. The short answer is yes, it can.
Drinking too much alcohol over time can increase anyone’s risk of developing dementia. But for people with a family history of dementia, that risk may be even greater.
Here’s why: Genes play a role in both dementia and how our bodies handle alcohol. If you have relatives with dementia, you might have inherited genes that make you more vulnerable to its effects. At the same time, you may have also inherited genes that affect how your body processes alcohol.
When you drink alcohol regularly, especially in large amounts, it can damage your brain over time. It shrinks brain tissue, messes with important vitamins your brain needs, and can lead to high blood pressure – all things that raise dementia risk.
For people with a family history of dementia, alcohol’s effects on the brain could be even worse. Their brains might already be more sensitive to damage, so adding alcohol to the mix could speed up cognitive decline.
But it’s not all bad news. While you can’t change your genes, you can control how much you drink. Cutting back on alcohol or avoiding it altogether can help lower your dementia risk, even if it runs in your family.
Other lifestyle choices matter too. Eating well, exercising regularly, not smoking, and keeping your mind active can all help protect your brain health, regardless of your family history.
If you’re worried about your dementia risk, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your personal risk factors and suggest ways to keep your brain healthy as you age.
Remember, having a family history of dementia doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get it. And while alcohol can increase the risk, moderate drinking or not drinking at all can help keep your brain in good shape for years to come.
