Alcohol consumption 'can ward off dementia'
18/8/2010
Moderate alcohol consumption can help to ward off dementia, according to a new scientific study.
Norwegian researchers observed the drinking habits of more than 5,000 men and women over seven years, finding that cognitive function was better among those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol.
Those who drank wine four times or more each week were found to perform better on cognitive function tests.
Cognitive impairment is known to be a precursor to dementia conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Interestingly, it was found that significant impairment was much more common among women who did not drink.
"Such effects could relate to the presence in wine of a number of polyphenols (antioxidants) and other micro elements that may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline with ageing," the study authors note.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland estimates that more than 44,000 people in the country are living with some form of dementia.