Alcohol protects the central nervous system by activating HSF1 and inducing the heat shock proteins 

Although alcohol abuse and dependence have profound negative health consequences, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to low/moderate concentrations of ethanol protects multiple organs and systems.
In the central nervous system, moderate drinking decreases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This neuroprotection correlates with an increased expression of the heat shock proteins (HSPs). Multiple epidemiological studies revealed an inverse association between ethanol intoxication and traumatic brain injury mortality. In this case, ethanol-induced HSPs limit the inflammatory immune response diminishing cell death and improving the neurobehavioural outcome. Ethanol also protects the brain against
ischemic injuries via the HSPs. A researcher from City University of New York demonstrated in the lab that ethanol increases the expression of several HSP genes in neurons and astrocytes by activating the transcription factor, heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 induces HSPs that target misfolded proteins for refolding or degradation, increasing the survival chances of the cells.
The conclusion is that ethanol neuroprotection is mediated by the activation heat shock factor 1 and the induction of heat shock proteins.
Source: Alcohol protects the central nervous system by activating HSF1 and inducing the heat shock proteins. Pignataro L. Neurosci Lett. 2019 Sep 18;713:134507.