New MRI findings suggest that even moderate drinkers are at risk of alcohol-related cognitive decline
Multi-organ magnetic resonance imaging of moderate drinkers revealed associations between alcohol intake and iron deposits known to impair cognitive function.
In the largest known study to date on the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and iron homeostasis, experts suggested that as little as four drinks per week can increase the presence of iron deposits on imaging. These deposits are common among individuals who suffer from alcohol dependence, but until recently, less was known about how moderate drinking habits manifest on imaging.
Anya Topiwala, PhD, of the University of Oxford in England, and co-authors discussed the importance of their findings recently in PLOS Medicine.
“There is growing evidence that moderate alcohol consumption adversely impacts brain health, contradicting earlier claims,” the authors wrote. “Given the high prevalence of moderate drinking, even small causal associations have substantial population impact. Clarity about the pathological mechanisms by which alcohol acts upon the brain is vital not just for disease etiology, but also to offer opportunities for intervention.”
Iron accumulation in the brain has been linked with multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These deposits are prevalent among individuals who routinely abuse alcohol, but researchers wanted a better understanding of whether a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and brain iron levels existed in moderate drinkers, as well as the resulting impact that relationship might have on cognitive function.
The analysis consisted of 20,965 UK Biobank participants, each of whom had completed susceptibility-weighted MRI of the brain and liver. Iron deposits visualized on imaging were compared to self-reported alcohol use and cognitive function tests to establish any possible relationships. Average alcohol use in the group was reported as 17.7 units per week.
The experts found that weekly alcohol consumption greater than seven units (about four drinks) was associated with increased brain iron in the putamen, caudate and substantia nigra. Researchers also established a relationship between increased incidence of iron in the basal ganglia region and decreased executive function and slower reaction times.
Authors of the study suggested their findings provide further evidence validating the notion that even moderate drinking can be consequential for health.
“This is in keeping with our earlier work indicating there may be no safe level of alcohol consumption for brain health.”
The full study can be viewed in full for free in PLOS Medicine.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.