Harms of alcohol intake at all ages

From Cradle to Grave, Alcohol Is Bad for the Brain

There is "compelling" evidence of the harmful effects of alcohol on the brain. The greatest risk occurs during three periods of life that are marked by dynamic brain changes.

The three periods are

Gestation (conception to birth), which is characterized by extensive production, migration, and differentiation of neurons;

Later adolescence (age 15 to 19 years), a period marked by an increase in the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.

Older adulthood (age 65 and beyond), a period associated with brain atrophy. Changes accelerate after age 65, largely driven by decreases in neuron size and number.

As brain health requires a reducing alcohol use and misuse at all ages. we need to consider an integrated approach : Public interventions on alcohol pricing policies, lower drink driving limits need to be accompanied by the training and care pathways that consider the human brain at risk throughout life

Source : BMJ. Published online December 4, 2020 Lifetime perspective on alcohol and brain health