LIGHT-to-moderate alcohol consumption may contribute to increased amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, a hallmark biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new findings from the ALBION study. The research examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in 195 middle-aged adults without dementia, revealing potential links between alcohol intake and neurodegeneration.
The study categorized participants into abstainers, occasional drinkers, and light-to-moderate drinkers, analyzing their adherence to the Mediterranean-Alcohol Dietary Pattern (MADP). Logistic regression analyses showed that individuals who consumed alcohol at light-to-moderate levels had nearly three times the odds of Aβ positivity compared to abstainers (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.29–6.90). Furthermore, participants with high adherence to MADP, characterized by low-to-moderate red wine intake distributed over the week with meals, exhibited increased positivity for Aβ, Tau/Aβ, and PTau/Aβ ratios, all of which are associated with Alzheimer’s pathology.
These findings contribute to the ongoing debate about alcohol’s impact on brain health. While previous research has suggested that moderate alcohol intake, particularly in the context of a Mediterranean diet, may have cardiovascular benefits, this study underscores potential risks related to neurodegenerative diseases. Given that Alzheimer’s disease pathology can begin decades before clinical symptoms appear, the study suggests that managing alcohol intake may be an important factor in reducing long-term risk.
Reference: Drouka A et al. Associations of moderate alcohol intake with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease: data from the ALBION study. Eur J Nutr. 2025;64(3):142.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
