Binge drinking raises dementia risk

TURKU, Finland, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Alcohol consumption during middle-age may be related to the risk of dementia evident 20 years later, researchers in Finland say.

"Our finding is significant as the changes typical of Alzheimer's disease -- the most common dementia syndrome -- are thought to start appearing two to three decades before clinical manifestation and therefore identification of early risk factors is imperative," Jyri Virta of the University of Turku says in a statement.

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, indicates both those who abstain and those who consume large amounts of alcohol are at a greater risk for cognitive impairment while the risk is least with light drinkers.

In addition, there is a link between different patterns of drinking and cognitive impairment -- even when total alcohol consumption is statistically controlled. Binge drinking -- consuming a large amount once a month -- is an independent risk factor for impairment that doubles the risk, the study says.

Passing out due to heavy drinking on one occasion also increases the development of subsequent cognitive impairment, the researchers add.