Even light drinking combined with aging is linked to reduced brain blood flow and thinner tissue

Summary: A new study shows that even light drinking—like having just one beer or a single glass of wine a day—can harm your brain over time. As we get older, the total amount of alcohol we consume in our lifetime adds up. Researchers found that this combination of aging and lifetime drinking is linked to less blood flow in the brain and a thinner outer brain layer, called the cortex.

The cortex is important because it helps us plan, focus, and control our emotions. Scientists believe that alcohol causes "oxidative stress," which damages cells and wears down brain tissue. While the study was small and needs more research, it suggests that there might not be a completely "safe" level of drinking when it comes to keeping your brain healthy as you age.

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