Relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment in the adult population over 60 years of age

Academics from Barcelona, Spain, investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment in people aged ≥60, and explored which cognitive functions are most affected by prolonged alcohol consumption. Research databases were searched and a total of seven articles were selected: five longitudinal studies, covering the relationship between alcohol and cognitive impairment; and two cross-sectional studies, which helped identify which cognitive functions are more affected.
Most of the studies conclude that no or excessive alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment, compared to moderate consumption. In addition, excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can evolve into secondary alcoholic dementia such as Marchiafava-Bignami disease, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome or pellagra. In people with alcohol use disorder, the cognitive functions that are most affected are executive functions, visuospatial skills, attention and memory.
Source: Deví-Bastida, J., Xifré-Passols, M., Oviedo-Penuela, et al. (2024) Relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive impairment in the adult population over 60 years of age: A systematic review. Rev Colomb Psiquiatr (Engl Ed), S2530-3120(24)00054-7.