Recent findings link even low-level lifetime alcohol use with decreased cerebral blood flow and thinner cortex, with stronger associations observed when age is considered. The study examined healthy adults aged 22 to 70 using MRI to assess regional perfusion and cortical thickness in relation to lifetime drinking. Results point to a combined effect of aging and lifetime alcohol exposure on brain structure and blood flow, though the sample size was small and results are preliminary.
These findings illuminate how lifestyle factors influence brain structure and function, illustrating brain-behavior relationships in aging and substance use. The emphasis on frontal and parietal regions ties into theories of executive function and cognitive control, making the work relevant to psychology.
Article Title: Even light drinking combined with aging is linked to reduced brain blood flow and thinner tissue
Link to PsyPost Article: https://nolinkpreview.com/www.psypost.org/even-light-drinking-combined-with-aging-is-linked-to-reduced-brain-blood-flow-and-thinner-tissue/
#alcohol #brainhealth #corticalperfusion #aging #neuroimaging