A doctor reveals the exact age when “alcohol should be completely removed” from your life to avoid Alzheimer’s dementia later in life.
A dementia specialist revealed the exact age at which individuals should stop drinking alcohol to reduce their chances of acquiring the terrible illness later in life.
In a groundbreaking revelation, Dr. Richard Restak, a prominent dementia expert and author of the new book ‘The Complete Guide to Memory,’ has pinpointed the precise age at which individuals should consider bidding farewell to alcohol to minimize the risk of developing dementia in later life.
Dr. Restak categorizes alcohol as a “direct neurotoxin” and urges people to reassess their relationship with alcohol.
Specifically, he recommends eliminating alcohol from one’s life starting at the age of 65.
“Ask yourself, ‘why do I drink?’ If the answer is, ‘because alcohol helps me to elevate my mood and lower my anxiety’, you may be at some peril, and it’s probably best to stop altogether,” advises Dr. Restak.
Furthermore, Dr. Restak draws attention to the rising death rates from falls among the elderly. Since alcohol poses a risk of falling for older individuals, he emphasizes the importance of reducing alcohol consumption, especially for those already dealing with factors contributing to falls, such as a decline in strength, muscle atrophy, balance issues, and the use of medications.
If “you are already afflicted with other contributors to falls, such as a decline in strength, muscle atrophy, balance issues, and the taking of medications. In that case, drinking alcohol may be especially dangerous.”
While some doctors may suggest that a moderate amount of alcohol is acceptable, others caution that even a small quantity could be risky for older individuals due to changes in liver and brain resilience.
Dr. Elizabeth Landsverk, an expert in aging and dementia, explains how the frontal lobes, responsible for reasoning and judgment, are not fully developed in youth, potentially leading to habits that cause problems later in life.
“The frontal lobes (reasoning, and judgment) are not quite developed. One is more likely to be open to drinking more or taking more risks, and this can set habits that will cause problems down the line.”
Despite some physicians advocating for the harmless nature of a daily glass of alcohol, it is crucial to acknowledge that alcohol is neurotoxic—having detrimental effects on both the brain and peripheral nervous system. This neurotoxicity can manifest in the long term and may eventually have adverse consequences.
Emphasizing the neurotoxic nature of alcohol, Dr. Landsverk stresses the importance of considering one’s overall health. Being overweight or having conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of dementia. Even small amounts of alcohol can heighten these risks for individuals with such health issues.
In conclusion, Dr. Restak and other health experts advocate for a mindful approach to alcohol consumption, especially in the later stages of life, where the potential risks and impact on overall health become more significant.
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