Lessons to Learn About the Brain and Alcohol

Lessons to Learn About the Brain and

Alcohol

Mild to Moderate Consumption may provide health benefits for the Brain.

USDA: Moderate equals 1 drink/day 2 drinks/day

12 oz.

5 oz. 1.5 oz.

1 drink equals

Brain Benefits of Mild to Moderate Consumption: • Decreased risk of stroke • Decreased risk of

dementia

Good News

Negative Brain Effects of Heavy Consumption: • Increased risk of

stroke and other severe ischemic cerebral events

• Faster decline in cognitive functions like memory has been noted.

Bad News

Fish oil might offer

protection from alcohol-

induced dementia

Data from: Medscape Multispecialty publication. “Alcohol and the Brain: The Good and the Bad”

Bret S. Stetka, MD April 7, 2014 http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/alcohol-

and-the-brain?src=wnl_edit_specol&uac=211686SR

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Alcohol intoxication in children and adolescents is a major contributor to young-onset

dementia

Good News

Bad News

Most cases of alcohol and drug

abuse begin in

adolescence.

Mothers who drank heavily during

pregnancy gave birth to children with notable

brain plasticity decreases.

Bad News

Bad News