A recent study published in the journal Neurology has found a strong link between heavy alcohol consumption and an increased risk of strokes, with heavy drinkers experiencing strokes on average 11 years earlier than those who consume less alcohol.
The research, which analyzed data from 1,600 adults hospitalized for intracerebral hemorrhage—a type of stroke caused by bleeding within the brain—reveals that heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer from severe brain bleeds and long-term cognitive decline. Heavy drinking is defined as consuming three or more alcoholic drinks per day, with one drink equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor.
The study found that heavy drinkers experienced brain bleeds on average at age 64, compared to 75 for non-heavy drinkers, a significant 11-year difference. Their brain bleeds were also 70% larger on average, and they were more likely to have severe white matter damage, which is linked to long-term cognitive decline and brain aging.
Lead author Dr. M. Edip Gurol of Harvard University emphasized that reducing heavy alcohol use could not only lower the risk of bleeding strokes but also slow the progression of cerebral small vessel disease, which is associated with aging, high blood pressure, and dementia. Jennifer Tujague, a scientist at the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, noted that the findings align with previous research showing an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with heavier drinking and highlighted the role of high blood pressure as a contributing factor.
Despite the study’s significant findings, researchers acknowledge limitations, including the cross-sectional study design, which means they cannot definitively confirm whether heavy drinking caused the strokes or merely exacerbated them. The study also noted that alcohol consumption was self-reported, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the data.
Dr. Amanda Berger of the Distilled Spirits Council emphasized the importance of drinking responsibly, suggesting that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health problems. She encouraged adults to drink moderately and consult with healthcare providers to determine appropriate alcohol consumption based on individual health factors.