Can Drinking Alcohol Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s?
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 8 am on
Scientists have long debated the link between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. Some believe drinking red wine in moderation can be beneficial for health, while others argue that alcohol consumption can accelerate cognitive decline. Recently, scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) conducted a study to determine the link between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what you need to know about this research.
Amyloid Plaques: The Trademark Sign of Alzheimer’s
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is the development of amyloid plaques. These protein plaques accumulate and disrupt the brain’s cellular transmission system, which reduces the brain’s ability to store new and old memories. In a healthy brain, the glymphatic system gets rid of the unwanted amyloid via the blood and lymphatic systems. The process largely occurs during sleep, which is why a healthy sleep regimen is an essential component of any Alzheimer’s prevention plan. Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our proprietary Cognitive Therapeutics Method was designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives.
The Importance of Activated Microglial Cells
The operations of the glymphatic system are carried out by activated microglial cells. These cells are the brain’s primary line of defense against all potential threats, not just unhealthy protein accumulation. The scientists at UIC set out to test whether alcohol impacted the efficacy of these activated microglial cells.
The UIC Study
The researchers at UIC hypothesized that long-term alcohol consumption leads to inflammation of the microglial cells and reduced cellular function. To test their hypothesis, they experimented on three groups of rats. The first group was exposed to alcohol, the second to inflammatory cells, and the third to alcohol and inflammatory cells. The scientists found that alcohol exposure does impact the function of microglial cells. In fact, the microglial cells studied in the third group of rats were inhibited by about 15 percent. Just one hour after the rats were exposed to alcohol, these cells were 15 percent less effective at clearing away amyloid protein, which suggests there’s a distinct correlation between alcohol consumption and the brain’s ability to defend itself against potential threats.Managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
The Connection between Alzheimer’s & Alcohol
When the brain’s ability to clear away amyloid protein is diminished, it creates a cognitive environment more susceptible to Alzheimer’s. Because alcohol can lower the brain’s defenses, seniors at risk for Alzheimer’s should avoid excessive consumption. While scientists have established a correlation between excessive drinking and Alzheimer’s risk, they’re still not sure when consumption begins to take a toll on cognitive health. To prevent Alzheimer’s, seniors should never drink in excess. Older adults who do drink should stick to healthier alcohol options such as red wine, which contains high levels of the antioxidant resveratrol. Caring for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenging task. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of at-home care. Des Moines Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (515) 264-2438 today.
