A dementia expert has revealed the exact age at which people should stop drinking alcohol.
Dr Richard Restak, in his new book ‘The Complete Guide to Memory’, describes alcohol as a “direct neurotoxin” and urges people to reconsider their relationship with drink.
From the age of 65, Dr Restak suggests that alcohol should be completely removed from our lives.
He explained: “Ask yourself, ‘why do I drink?’ If the answer is, ‘because alcohol helps me to elevate my mood and lower my anxiety’, you may be at some peril, and it’s probably best to stop altogether.”
He also highlighted that death rates from falls are on the rise, and since alcohol puts older people at risk of falling, it should be reduced.
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He warned that cutting down on booze is key if “you are already afflicted with other contributors to falls, such as a decline in strength, muscle atrophy, balance issues, and the taking of medications”. He added: “In that case, drinking alcohol may be especially dangerous.”
Some doctors reckon a bit of drink is okay, but others warn even a little could be risky for older folks because they can’t handle it like they used to.
Doctor Elizabeth Landsverk, an expert in aging and dementia, explained how our brains differ from when we’re young to later in life. She said: “The liver and brain have the most resilience during that time.
“The frontal lobes (reasoning, and judgment) are not quite developed. One is more likely to be open to drinking more or taking more risks, and this can set habits that will cause problems down the line.”
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A health expert has warned that while some doctors may say a daily glass of alcohol won’t harm, it’s important to remember that alcohol is “neurotoxic (any substance, man-made or natural, toxic to a person’s brain as well as peripheral nervous system), and that can catch up with you” and can have long-term effects.
She cautioned: “Ask yourself: How is your health otherwise?”
She also highlighted that being overweight or having conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and certain types of dementia.
Even a small amount of alcohol can increase these risks if you have these health issues, she said.
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