Studies investigating the association between alcohol use and cognitive disorders in the elderly population have produced divergent results. Moreover, the role of alcohol in cognitive dysfunction is not clear. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of alcohol-related problems in an elderly population from Brazil and to investigate their association with cognitive and functional impairment (CFI) and dementia.
"Heavy alcohol use" (CAGE ≥ 2) was found in 92 subjects (prevalence: 8.2%). It was associated with gender (males, p < class="i">p = 0.002), and low socioeconomic level (p = 0.001, in females; p = 0.002, in males). The Mini Mental State Examination exhibited a nonlinear relationship with alcohol-related problems in females; "mild–moderate alcohol use" (CAGE < class="i">p = 0.003 and p < class="i">p = 0.063 and 0.050, respectively).
Our findings suggest that alcohol use does not have a linear relationship with cognitive decline
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