Long-term impact of alcohol on the brain

The long-term impact of alcohol on the brain encompasses a wide range of effects, varying by drinking patterns, age, genetics, and other health factors. Among the many organs alcohol affects, the brain is particularly vulnerable. Heavy drinking causes alcohol-related brain damage, with alcohol acting as a direct neurotoxin to nerve cells,^[2] while low levels of alcohol consumption can cause decreases in brain volume, regional gray matter volume, and white matter microstructure. Low-to-moderate alcohol intake may be associated with certain cognitive benefits or neuroprotection in older adults. Social and psychological factors can offer minor protective effects. The overall relationship between alcohol use and brain health is complex, reflecting the balance between alcohol's neurotoxic effects and potential modulatory influences.

^ Cite error: The named reference 10.1101/2021.05.10.21256931 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ "10th Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health: Highlights from Current Research" (PDF). National Institute of Health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. June 2000. p. 134. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2014. The brain is a major target for the actions of alcohol, and heavy alcohol consumption has long been associated with brain damage. Studies clearly indicate that alcohol is neurotoxic, with direct effects on nerve cells. Chronic alcohol abusers are at additional risk for brain injury from related causes, such as poor nutrition, liver disease, and head trauma.

[10.1101/2021.05.10.21256931-1] Cite error: The named reference 10.1101/2021.05.10.21256931 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[2] "10th Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health: Highlights from Current Research" (PDF). National Institute of Health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. June 2000. p. 134. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2014. The brain is a major target for the actions of alcohol, and heavy alcohol consumption has long been associated with brain damage. Studies clearly indicate that alcohol is neurotoxic, with direct effects on nerve cells. Chronic alcohol abusers are at additional risk for brain injury from related causes, such as poor nutrition, liver disease, and head trauma.

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