Previous studies have proven that drinking a glass of wine daily could reduce risks for cardiovascular diseases. As studies on the health benefits of wine continue to arise, a new research has discovered that a glass of red wine a day could keep dementia away.
Mirror UK reports consuming two or three units of wine everyday has been linked to reduce a number of deaths in patients with Alzheimer's disease --- the most common form of dementia.
In the study involving 321 patients with early stages of Alzheimer's, scientists have found out that 77% who drank the recommended daily wine consumption had lowered their risks of death compared to those who drank one unit or less everyday.
The researchers at Danish Alzheimer's Intervention Study warn, however, that their results were not conclusive; adding the lowered risk of death may be due to other factors.
"The results of our study point towards a potential, positive association of moderate alcohol consumption on mortality in patients with Alzheimer's disease," a spokesman from the group stated. "However, we cannot solely, on the basis of this study, either encourage or advise against moderate alcohol consumption in (these) patients."
According to NHS guidelines, the recommended daily consumption for women should not exceed two or three alcohol units, while men should limit up to three or four units. A small 175ml glass of wine contains about 2.3 units of alcohol.
While drinking moderately has been linked to reduced risks for heart disease, previous studies have shown that alcohol damages the brain cells. This raises doubts on the health effects of wine among those with dementia since it is a neurodegenerative disease.
"Some studies have suggested that moderate alcohol intake could have a protective effect on the brain but further research is needed to explore this and help determine a specific 'safe' level of alcohol consumption for healthy people and those living with dementia," said Alzheimer's Research UK's Dr. Laura Phipps. "Anyone who is concerned about their alcohol intake should speak to their GP."
This study was published on Thursday in the journal BMJ Open.
