People over 50 are increasing their alcohol intake, potentially increasing their risk of dementia.

A new study led by Dr Déborah Oliveira (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil/ Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham)  published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigates whether people would be willing to adhere to current United Kingdom "low-risk" alcohol guidelines to reduce dementia risk.

Alcohol intake is linked to brain health, and existing research and expertise show us what the risks and preventative factors are for dementia. There is a growing problem of increased alcohol consumption in older people, this study explored increasing our understanding about which groups of older people would be more receptive to a behaviour change intervention, and who would be most resistant.

As part of the Alzheimer’s Research UK funded study 3,948 people aged 50 and over, and without a dementia diagnosis, were surveyed about their monthly alcohol consumption, lifestyle, weight and physical exercise. Their responses showed that 74% of participants appeared willing to adhere to low-risk alcohol guidelines (less than  14 units per week) if they were told that their risk of having dementia could be reduced. This willingness was particularly common amongst women, those participants who slept well and those who had a least one child. Those participants who smoked or were obese, or who regularly exceeded drinking 14 units per week were least likely to show a willingness to change their behaviour.

The research, led by Dr Déborah Oliveira (Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil/ Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham) and Dr Katy Jones (Institute of Mental Health, Centre for Dementia) develops understanding around preventative dementia behaviours, and extends dementia experts understanding of those most, and least, likely to be influenced to change their behaviour. There is now a need for further research to understand why each of these groups of older people have different attitudes towards changing their behaviours.

To read the full published paper please visit the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31127769