There are studies that suggest the effects of heavy drinking can be as mild as a short memory lapse or as crucial as causing a condition that warrants permanent medical attention.
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In one survey, conducted by Severine Sabia, a research associate in the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London, middle-aged men who drink 2.5 or more alcoholic beverages per day were found to have greater declines in memory, attention and reasoning skills up to six years sooner than men who drink less.
According to Time, researchers believe alcohol interferes with blood flow to the brain and has the ability to damage nerve cells that affect the brain’s overall cognitive functions.
“We have lots of clinical experience to suggest that heavy drinking can have adverse effects on cognition. But what was new about this study, at least in men, was that it didn’t seem that light or moderate drinking [was more harmful than not drinking alcohol at all],” said Dr. Marc Gordon, chief of neurology at Zucker Hillside Hospital.
According to NIAAA, low-risk drinking levels for men are no more than four drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, low-risk drinking levels are three drinks per day and no more than seven drinks per week. Both daily and weekly limits must be followed to be considered low-risk. The low-risk levels for men over 65 are the same as women.