Cheers to your health!
Research from Germany was released this week showing a link between moderate alcohol consumption and a decreased risk of memory impairment.
The study was conducted by the Central Institute of Mental Health, in Mannheim, Germany. Researchers found a 29% percent decrease in cases of dementia among study participants who consumed the equivalent of a glass of wine, or beer, per day. More striking was the reduction in Alzheimer's, which saw a 42% drop in subjects taking one alcoholic drink drink daily. 
Questions abound regarding the news, including those addressing the method in which alcohol may produce the results of the study.
In England, the Telegraph news cited the possibility that alcohol itself "could work by lowering cholesterol levels, stopping blood from clotting too much and improving insulin sensitivity to blood sugar levels."
ScienceBlog.com points out that "some studies have shown a positive effect of wine only, which may be due either to the level of ethanol, the complex mixture that comprises wine, or to the healthier life-style ascribed to wine drinkers."
One thing all researchers agree on is that the overconsumption of alcohol not only fails to decrease the likelihood of dementia and Alzheimer's, but, in fact, is believed to be the cause of one in ten cases of memory impairment.
Many senior residential care communities commonly host a happy hour, where wine and beer is available, on Friday afternoons. Beyond that, seniors are encouraged to consult with a physician regarding alcohol consumption. This is especially important in order to assess the possible effects related to medicines being taken.
First things first: A healthy diet and exercise are still considered the foundation of sound health practice. The news out on light alcohol consumption may be something to toast to, but without an already established routine of physical activity and healthy eating, the results are likely to be varied, at best.
Also of note in the Alzheimer's research field was news out today regarding the source of plaques identified with the disease. Science Daily reports that a Scripps Research Institute pointed to the liver instead of the brain "as the source of the "amyloid" that deposits as brain plaques associated with this devastating condition."
They go on to say that "the findings could offer a relatively simple approach for Alzheimer's prevention and treatment."
With so much compelling news hitting this week on memory impairment, one can't help but feel positive about the research being conducted to understand and solve the challenges of the diseases.
What Do You Think?
If the research on light alcohol consumption continues to gain steam, would you consider adding the practice of a glass of wine with dinner to your daily routine?
(Image Courtesy of D34n on Flickr)
