Abstract
BackgroundAssociations between alcohol consumption and cognitive function are discordant and data focusing on midlife exposure are scarce.ObjectiveTo estimate the association between midlife alcohol consumption and cognitive performance assessed 13 y later while accounting for comorbidities and diet.Methods3,088 French middle-aged adults included in the SU.VI.MAX (1994) study with available neuropsychological evaluation 13 y later. Data on alcohol consumption were obtained from repeated 24h dietary records collected in 1994–1996. Cognitive performance was assessed in 2007–2009 via a battery of 6 neuropsychological tests. A composite score was built as the mean of the standardized individual test scores (mean = 50, SD = 10). ANCOVA were performed to estimate mean differences in cognitive performance and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsIn women, abstainers displayed lower cognitive scores than did low-to-moderate alcohol drinkers (1 to 2 drinks/day) (mean difference = −1.77; 95% CI: −3.29, −0.25). In men, heavy drinkers (>3 drinks/day) had higher cognitive scores than did low-to-moderate (1 to 3 drinks/day) (mean difference = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.10, 1.99). However, a lower composite cognitive score was detected in male drinkers consuming ≥90 g/d (≈8 drinks/d). A higher proportion of alcohol intake from beer was also associated with lower cognitive scores. These associations remained significant after adjustment for diet, comorbidities and sociodemographic factors.ConclusionIn men, heavy but not extreme drinking was associated with higher global cognitive scores. Given the known harmful effects of alcohol even in low doses regarding risk of cancer, the study does not provide a basis for modifying current public health messages.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00272428
Highlights
At present, treatments to cure or slow the progression of cognitive decline and dementia are not available, arguing for a focus on prevention through health behaviors including physical, social, and cognitive activities, and dietary intake [1,2,3]
In men, heavy but not extreme drinking was associated with higher global cognitive scores
A more complex relationship has been reported between level of alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease, as light-to-moderate drinking may display beneficial effects [4,6]
Summary
Treatments to cure or slow the progression of cognitive decline and dementia are not available, arguing for a focus on prevention through health behaviors including physical, social, and cognitive activities, and dietary intake [1,2,3]. Among these modifiable factors, alcohol consumption is of major concern because it is a well-known risk factor for many chronic diseases including fetal alcohol syndrome, neuropsychiatric disorders, cancer, and for certain risk behaviors (eg, driving under the influence) and injuries [4,5,6]. Associations between alcohol consumption and cognitive function are discordant and data focusing on midlife exposure are scarce
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