Party Now, Pay Later

According to the Journal of American College Health, four out of five college students drink, and half of these engage in heavy drinking. College has changed and alcohol is consumed at astonishing rates. To many students, drinking has become a game. These college “games” include drinking beer through a funnel and “flip-cup” which is basically a chugging competition. While some believe the consequences of alcohol consumption are limited to a hangover and failing grades, scientists have found the long term effects could damage more than your liver.

Previous research has shown that excessive alcohol consumption leads to loss of brain tissue and that binge drinking is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. Heavy drinking and smoking can lead to early-onset dementia. A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting found a link to early onset dementia in heavy drinkers (more than two drinks a day) and heavy smokers (a pack of cigarettes or more a day). Heavy drinkers developed Alzheimer’s 4.8 years earlier and heavy smokers 2.3 years earlier.

Dr.Ranjan Daura, Director of Mount Sinai Medical Center for Alzheimer’s disease in Miami Beach, says “there is a bit of controversy about heavy drinking, specifically what “heavy” means.” One influential study, done in the Netherlands, defined moderate drinking as three or four drinks a day. “I suggest that more than two drinks a day is probably not a good idea” says Daura. Alcohol-related dementia is an under-recognized problem and some expect there to be a surge in dementia in future generations. Education and awareness of studies like this may help influence better decision making when it comes to alcohol consumption and mental health.

No one can argue that alcohol does not kill brain cells. The question we should ask ourselves is how many brain cells we would like to have left at the end of life’s journey? This holiday season, I’m thinking I’ll skip the spiked eggnog and enjoy a nice cup of apple cider!