Middle-aged people are significantly more likely to suffer serious memory problems later in life if they have a history of problem drinking, a new study has found.
It involved over 6,500 middle-aged adults who were first assessed in 1992. They were then followed up every year between 1996 and 2010.
All of the participants were assessed for a history of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) using what is known as the CAGE* questionnaire - four questions aimed at picking up on alcohol problems.
They were also assessed for cognitive and memory impairment.
The study found that middle-aged adults with a history of AUDs were at least twice as likely to develop severe memory impairment later in life.
According to lead researcher, Dr Iain Lang of the University of Exeter in the UK, it is already known that there is a link between the risk of dementia and levels of current alcohol consumption.
Source: Deborah Condon, irishhealth.com, 01/08/2014
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