Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Alcohol in moderation, premorbid intelligence and cognition in older adults: results from the Psychiatric Morbidity Survey
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2009;80:1236-1239

To test the hypothesis that the association previously reported between moderate alcohol use and better cognition is an artefact of confounding by (a) higher premorbid education and socioeconomic status; (b) a lifestyle of moderation (using smoking as a risk marker); and (c) decreased alcohol consumption in people with physical illnesses.

In people who were not problem drinkers, higher alcohol intake was not associated with improved current cognition after controlling for premorbid intelligence and physical health. Our findings suggest that, despite previous suggestions, moderate alcohol consumption does not protect older people from cognitive decline.


Request Reprint E-Mail: ccooper@doctors.org.uk

_________________________________________________________________

at