Alcohol Use Linked to Higher Dementia Risk Across All Consumption Levels: Study Finds - Video

Want to enjoy a drink this weekend? Hold on before raising that glass, and listen. A major new study from the University of Oxford and published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine has raised serious concerns by revealing that alcohol consumption—even light or moderate drinking—raises the risk of dementia, challenging the long-held belief that small amounts of alcohol might be safe or even beneficial for brain health.

The study tracked over 559,000 participants from the UK Biobank and US Million Veteran Program for 4 to 12 years. Researchers examined their alcohol intake and dementia development, using advanced genetic methods called Mendelian randomization to confirm causation, not just correlation. The results showed a steady increase in dementia risk with any amount of alcohol consumption. Even just one to three extra drinks per week increased dementia risk by about 15% compared to lighter drinkers.

Genetic factors also played a role. People with genes linked to alcohol dependence had a higher dementia risk, regardless of how much they drank. Doubling this genetic risk was associated with a 16% higher chance of dementia.

Why did previous studies suggest moderate drinking was safe or protective? Old studies often included biases, like grouping former heavy drinkers into the “non-drinker” category or not accounting for changes in drinking habits before dementia diagnosis. This new study’s methods minimised these errors, providing clearer evidence.

The takeaway: There may be no truly “safe” alcohol level for brain health. Public health guidelines that recommend up to 14 units per week might not protect against dementia. Experts now urge people to cut down and ideally avoid alcohol to protect memory and cognition.

Focus on brain-healthy habits: exercise regularly, eat well, stay socially active, and consult your doctor, especially as you age.

Reference: Topiwala A, Levey DF, Zhou H, et alAlcohol use and risk of dementia in diverse populations: evidence from cohort, case–control and Mendelian randomisation approachesBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine Published Online First: 23 September 2025. doi: 10.1136/bmjebm-2025-113913