We all know that excessive alcohol isn’t great for our health—but a new study suggests the long-term effects on the brain may be more serious than we thought. According to researchers, heavy alcohol consumption is now being linked to brain changes commonly seen in people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in Neurology, examined the brains of nearly 1,800 people after death, looking for signs of damage that may be connected to alcohol use. Researchers zeroed in on a particular type of brain lesion called hyaline arteriolosclerosis—a condition where small blood vessels become hardened, thickened, and narrow over time. These lesions can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to long-term cognitive damage.
The individuals in the study were, on average, 75 years old when they died. Researchers interviewed family members about their loved ones’ drinking habits, then examined their brain tissue for evidence of damage, including both lesions and tau tangles. Tau tangles are protein clumps associated with Alzheimer’s disease and are considered a key marker of dementia-related brain degeneration.
What they found was striking:
- Heavy drinkers—defined in the study as consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week—had the highest likelihood of having these brain injuries.
- Roughly 50% of former heavy drinkers showed signs of damage, followed closely by current heavy drinkers (44%).
- Even moderate drinkers weren’t entirely in the clear, with about 45% showing brain injuries.
- Those who never drank? About 40% still had signs of damage, but at a lower rate than those who drank heavily.
One of the more concerning findings was the presence of tau tangles. Heavy drinkers were 41% more likely to have these Alzheimer’s-linked brain changes than those who drank less. Former heavy drinkers were also at elevated risk, with 31% higher odds than non-drinkers or moderate drinkers.
Of course, it’s important to note that this kind of research shows an association—it doesn’t prove that alcohol causes these brain changes outright. Other factors like genetics, diet, and overall health may also play a role. But the link is strong enough to raise eyebrows—and perhaps prompt a second look at how much alcohol we consume in a typical week.
Researchers hope this kind of information can help people make more informed decisions about drinking, especially as they age. While a glass of wine here and there may not pose a major risk, consistent heavy drinking could be doing more harm to the brain than many realize.
If you’re concerned about your alcohol use or its long-term effects, talking with a healthcare provider can be a good first step. As this study shows, what we drink today could shape our brain health for years to come.
