Alcohol consumption and the risk of dementia in patients with depression: A nationwide cohort study

Although alcohol consumption and depression are risk factors for dementia, the impact of alcohol consumption on dementia risk in individuals with depression remains uncertain. A study in South Korea examined this relationship using national health claim data. It included 1,856,078 patients diagnosed with depression who had undergone a health examination within two years prior to their depression diagnosis. Based on drinking habits and alcohol intake levels, participants were divided into three groups: non-drinkers, mild-to-moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers. The incidence of dementia (Alzheimer’s and vascular) was assessed. Among the participants, 1,246,750 were non-drinkers, 504,112 were mild-to-moderate drinkers, and 105,216 were heavy drinkers. Compared to non-drinkers, heavy drinkers exhibited an increased risk of dementia (aHR, 1.087; 95% CI, 1.057 to 1.117), whereas mild-to-moderate drinkers showed a reduced risk (aHR, 0.844; 95% CI, 0.871 to 0.898). In individuals diagnosed with depression, heavy drinking was associated with a higher risk of dementia, while moderate drinking was linked to a lower risk, emphasising the importance of limiting alcohol intake in depression patients within clinical practice.
Source: Shin, J., Jung, J., Han, K. et al. (2026) Alcohol consumption and the risk of dementia in pa-tients with depression: A Nationwide Cohort Study. Int J Ment Health Addiction 24, 793–811.