Moderate alcohol may reduce dementia risk, but heavy drinking increases risk

Consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol has been associated with better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia. However, excessive amounts over time can increase the risk. Limiting consumption to the recommended no more than 2 drinks a day may help reduce the risk of developing dementia. 

The following pages describe the current evidence that suggests alcohol consumption can contribute to dementia risk and provide links to resources on healthy alcohol use for health professionals and resources for patients.

Alcohol and dementia evidence – what’s the evidence that alcohol consumption influences dementia risk?

Clinical resources for alcohol – the national alcohol guidelines and how clinicians can help problem drinkers

Alcohol resources for patients – ideas for healthy drinking and links to expert help