From the Guidelines
No, patients with Alzheimer's disease should not consume 200 milliliters (mL) of alcohol per day, as it can exacerbate cognitive decline, increase the risk of falls, and potentially interact with Alzheimer's medications. The provided evidence, although primarily focused on diabetes and stroke prevention, suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men 1. Given that 200 mL of alcohol exceeds these recommended limits, it is considered excessive and potentially harmful, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
Key Considerations
- Alcohol consumption can worsen cognitive impairment and increase the risk of falls in Alzheimer's patients.
- The interaction between alcohol and Alzheimer's medications can lead to adverse effects.
- Even for healthy individuals, 200 mL of alcohol daily is considered excessive and harmful.
- The focus for Alzheimer's patients should be on maintaining overall brain health through proper nutrition, exercise, cognitive stimulation, and adherence to prescribed treatments.
Recommendations for Alcohol Consumption
- For individuals who choose to drink alcohol, consumption should be limited to ≤2 drinks per day for men and ≤1 drink per day for nonpregnant women 1.
- Abstention from alcohol is advised for individuals with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence, women during pregnancy, and people with medical problems such as liver disease, pancreatitis, advanced neuropathy, or severe hypertriglyceridemia 1.
- If an Alzheimer's patient has been regularly consuming alcohol, they should consult their doctor about safely reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, as sudden cessation can sometimes lead to withdrawal symptoms.
From the Research
Alcohol Consumption in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
- The relationship between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease is complex and has been studied extensively 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Some studies suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption may not be detrimental to cognition and dementia, and may even reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease 3, 4.
- However, heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients 5.
- A study found that heavy drinkers (8 or more alcoholic drinks/week) had a faster cognitive decline, deteriorating 1.849 more points on their mMMSE score annually compared to abstainers (P = 0.001) 5.
- Another study found that light to moderate drinkers were significantly higher educated and had a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease 3.
Specific Alcohol Consumption Amounts
- A study found that subjects drinking 3 to 4 standard glasses of wine per day (> 250 and up to 500 ml) had a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease 3.
- However, the study did not provide a specific recommendation for a daily alcohol consumption amount of 200 mL.
- Another study found that increasing standard drinks of hard liquor, but not beer or wine, was associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline (β = -0.117 P = 0.001) 5.
Coping Strategies and Hazardous Drinking
- A study found that family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who experienced greater difficulties in emotion regulation and greater reliance on avoidance as a coping strategy were at higher risk of screening positive for hazardous drinking 6.
- The study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation and reduce avoidance coping in caregivers, ultimately enhancing their well-being.