Linking excessive alcohol with elderly memory loss

Binge drinking is something we might normally associate with the young, but it is becoming an increasing problem amongst the elderly

Binge-drinking could increase the risk of suffering mental decline and memory loss

A study, completed by the University of Exeter’s Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, highlighted that two heavy drinking sessions a month increased the risk of memory problems among those aged 65 and older

Researchers said binge-drinking, which is defined as consuming four or more drinks in one go, can blunt thinking ability in later life

They noted that indulging in heavy drinking sessions twice a month increased the chances of experiencing mental decline by a staggering 147% among over-65s

Although drinking heavily once a month was found to have a lesser effect, scientists still noted these habits would increase the chances of suffering mental decline by 62%

Older people metabolise their alcohol more slowly and therefore can get drunk on less alcohol than they used to do

• 8.3% of men indulged in binge-drinking at least once a month
• Only 1.5% of women drank heavily at least once a month
• 4.3% of men and 0.5% of women drank heavily at least twice a month.
• Lead scientist Dr Iain Lang said:

‘We know that binge-drinking can be harmful. For example, it can increase the risk of harm to the cardiovascular system, including the chance of developing heart disease, and it is related to increased risk of both intentional and unintentional injuries. In our group of community-dwelling older adults, binge-drinking is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Those who reported binge-drinking at least twice a month were more than twice as likely to have the greatest decline in both cognitive function and memory.’

• Older people can tend to drink too much due to loneliness and isolation and have more time on their hands
• Often the problem is not identified by others for exactly that reason…they do not see friends and family often enough
• Sometimes, alcohol can be an easy substitute for eating properly
• Alcohol can be a factor for doctors when treating a patient for falls, appetite and memory problems, trouble sleeping, and depression
• Doctors also need to be aware of the reaction of medication or combinations of medications with alcohol and how that can affect the elderly