Alcohol consumption and cognitive aging: can it be beneficial?

We present a literature review which summarizes the data supporting one of the alternative perspectives on the effect of alcohol consumption on cognitive aging – the possible positive effect of low to moderate drinking. Some of the main theories about aging, the mechanisms of brain aging, and the pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Margarita Velikova, Bistra Galunska, Raya Dimitrova, Zlatislav Stoyanov
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ion Motofei, Carol Davila University 2021-04-01
Series:Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1258&context=jmms
Description
Summary:We present a literature review which summarizes the data supporting one of the alternative perspectives on the effect of alcohol consumption on cognitive aging – the possible positive effect of low to moderate drinking. Some of the main theories about aging, the mechanisms of brain aging, and the pathogenesis of cognitive decline and dementia are briefly described. In this context, the putative mechanisms of the protective action of non-alcoholic components in alcoholic beverages or low doses of ethanol against oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, brain insulin resistance, and production of amyloid-β peptides are presented. The review article does not favor the data selected and highlighted, but it aims at inspiring more interest and further research on the topic.
ISSN:2392-7674
2392-7674