Scientists have determined the amount of alcohol that damages blood vessels

Even moderate alcohol consumption (up to 98 ml of pure ethyl alcohol per week) increases the risk of vascular damage leading to memory problems.

This was shown by a study published in the respected scientific journal Neurology.

A group of scientists conducted a large-scale analysis of brain tissue samples from more than 1,700 people whose average age at the time of death was 75 years. The researchers specifically looked for signs of two types of pathological changes in brain tissues.

The first related to hyaline arteriolosclerosis - a chronic disease of small arteries in which their walls thicken. This occurs due to the accumulation of a protein substance - hyaline - in the latter. Scientists explained that vascular damage in hyaline arteriolosclerosis leads to deterioration of memory and cognitive functions. The researchers also assessed the content of tau tangles in brain samples - protein clusters characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

During the study, relatives of the deceased were interviewed - they were asked about the participants' habits related to alcohol consumption. Based on the information received, the subjects were divided into four groups: non-drinkers, moderate alcohol consumers (up to seven drinks per week), heavy drinkers (eight or more drinks per week), and former alcoholics.

It is important to note that one serving of alcohol in the study meant 14 grams of ethyl alcohol. This amount is contained in 355 ml of regular beer, 150 ml of wine, or 45 ml of strong alcohol.

The results of the study were alarming: heavy drinkers and former alcoholics had a 133% and 89% higher risk of developing hyaline arteriolosclerosis than those who never drank. Particularly concerning is the fact that even moderate drinkers were at risk for this disease - in this category, the probability of its development increased by 60%.

In addition, tau tangles were found much more frequently in heavy drinkers, indicating an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that those who abused alcohol had an average life expectancy 13 years shorter than abstainers.

"Excessive alcohol consumption has a long-term destructive effect on the brain. It is especially important that even those who quit drinking retain signs of persistent damage, although quitting alcohol may still reduce risks," the scientists emphasized.