Drinking alcohol excessively could increase the risk of dementia

Swedish researchers have warned how excessive alcohol intake in adolescence could increase the risk of developing early-onset dementia.

Scientists at Umea University analysed data from 488,484 men, with an average age of 18, who were conscripted for mandatory military service over a ten-year period from September 1969, until December 1979.

Revisiting the data almost 40 years later, researchers discovered that 487 of the men were diagnosed with dementia at the age of 54, with hospital-treated alcohol intoxication being the most important risk factor.

The study, which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine on Monday, also identified drug use, depression and low blood pressure as risk factors.

Commenting on the findings, Jess Brown, research officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are a long way from knowing exactly why some people develop dementia and others don’t. However, what this study shows once again is that many of the things we are controllable. Kicking excessive teenage drinking or drug habits into touch and treating conditions such as depression early could be key to reducing your risk of dementia in later life.

“There are 800,000 people with dementia and this number is expected to reach a million within ten years. The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly.”