The study debunked the long-standing idea that moderate drinking, like a daily glass of red wine, can benefit brain health
A new study from the Universities of Oxford, Yale, and Cambridge, published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, has found that any level of alcohol consumption may raise the risk of dementia.
The findings overturn the long-held belief that moderate drinking, such as a glass of red wine every day, can benefit brain health.
Researchers analyzed data from over 559,000 people in the US Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank, where 14,540 participants developed dementia over time.
Results showed that both heavy drinkers (40+ drinks per week) and non-drinkers had a 41% higher dementia risk than light drinkers (fewer than seven drinks weekly). In comparison, alcohol-dependent individuals faced a 51% higher risk.
Genetic analysis found no evidence supporting the idea that alcohol protects the brain, and instead suggested the opposite.
Experts say the study highlights broader health concerns, especially for women, who are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Women also face more alcohol-related harm because they produce less alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that helps metabolize alcohol.
According to an Alzheimer’s Association report, an estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with dementia in 2025.