Even light drinking may raise dementia risk, large genetic study finds 🚫🍷
Published In: BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine
Date: September 2025
Authors: Topiwala et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2025-113913
Summary
This large-scale study examined how alcohol use relates to dementia risk using both traditional observational methods and advanced genetic techniques (Mendelian randomization). While previous studies suggested light drinking might be protective, this research found that any amount of alcohol could increase dementia risk, and the supposed benefits of moderate drinking may actually reflect early signs of cognitive decline. The genetic analysis showed a steady rise in dementia risk with increased alcohol intake, contradicting earlier “U-shaped” findings.
Key Takeaways
✅ Observational data suggested light drinkers had the lowest risk of dementia, but this may be due to reverse causation (people reducing alcohol intake as their brain health declines).
✅ Genetic analyses showed a monotonic (steady) increase in dementia risk with more alcohol use. No level of drinking was protective.
✅ A 15% increase in dementia risk was seen for every 1 standard deviation increase in drinks per week.
✅ Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) doubled the risk of dementia in some groups.
✅ Reducing alcohol use in the population could prevent up to 16% of dementia cases.
Why It Matters for You
If you’re drinking alcohol for its rumored brain health benefits, this study suggests it’s time to rethink that habit. Cutting back, or stopping altogether, could help protect our brains as we age.
Citation
Topiwala, A., Levey, D. F., Zhou, H., et al. (2025). Alcohol use and risk of dementia in diverse populations: evidence from cohort, case–control and Mendelian randomisation approaches. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, 0(0). https://ebm.bmj.com/content/ebmed/early/2025/09/16/bmjebm-2025-113913.full.pdf