Richard Restak, neurologist: “I advise all of my patients to abstain completely from alcohol at age 70 at the latest”

Beer has long been one of the world’s most popular and ancient drinks, a refreshing staple whose endless varieties and presence at nearly any social gathering have turned it into a symbol of connection, relaxation and simple pleasure. For many, opening a beer feels almost ceremonial – a way to close out a demanding day, pair with a special meal or bring friends together around an easy conversation.

Yet despite its friendly place in daily life, beer – unless you’re tempted by a 0% version – is still an alcoholic beverage. And alcohol, no matter how normalized, has effects on the body that become more visible and more significant as the years go by.

That is the warning from American neurologist Richard Restak, who in his book The Complete Guide To Memory, discussed in The Guardian, even ventures to name the age at which people should stop drinking altogether, arguing that alcohol’s impact on the brain becomes especially damaging in older adulthood.

“To my knowledge, no evidence exists that alcohol impairs only memory while leaving other cognitive processes unscathed,” he notes, adding that it is essential to protect the neurons that remain, as they underpin memory, thought and other cognitive functions.

Key age for alcohol abstention

Although the number of neurons lost over a lifetime is relatively small – between 2 and 4% according to some research – protecting the brain is crucial to staying active and healthy.

“I advise all of my patients to abstain completely from alcohol at age 70 at the latest. By 65, people possess fewer neurons than they did only a few years earlier.

“So it makes sense to eliminate alcohol at a time in life when it’s necessary to conserve as many neurons as possible.” the doctor says.

Long-term alcohol consumption has also been linked in several studies to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. And it is tied to falls as well, which can lead to serious injuries or even death in older adults.

Read more advice from Restak from his award-winning book.

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