Association between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study

ObjectivesThe number of older people is growing across the world; however, quantitative synthesis of studies examining the impact of lifestyle factors on the ageing process is rare. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies to synthesise the associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with healthy ageing (HA).MethodsMajor electronic databases were searched from inception to March 2017 (prospectively registered systematic reviews registration number CRD42016038130). Studies were assessed for methodological quality. Random-effect meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled ORs and 95% CI.ResultsIn total, we identified 28 studies (n=184 543); 27 studies reported results on smoking, 22 on alcohol consumption. 23 studies reported a significant positive association of never or former smoking with HA and 4 non-significant. 12 studies reported a significant positive association of alcohol consumption with HA, 9 no association and 1 negative. Meta-analysis revealed increased pooled OR of HA for never smokers compared with current smokers (2.36, 95% CI 2.03 to 2.75), never smokers compared with former smokers (1.32, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.41), former or never smokers compared with current smokers (1.72, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.47), never smokers compared with past or current smokers (1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.43); drinkers compared with non-drinkers (1.28, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.52), light drinkers compared with non-drinkers (1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.22), moderate drinkers compared with non-drinkers (1.35, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.97) and high drinkers compared with non-drinkers (1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.44). There was considerable heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of HA and alcohol consumption.ConclusionsThere is consistent evidence from longitudinal studies that smoking is negatively associated with HA. The associations of alcohol consumption with HA are equivocal. Future research should focus on the implementation of a single metric of HA, on the use of consistent drinking assessment among studies and on a full-range of confounding adjustment. Our research also highlighted the limited research on ageing in low-and-middle-income countries.

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“…For instance, a recent study of this type found no causal association between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer’s disease. 66 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with healthy ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

et al. 2018

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“…Therefore, drinking habits might alter the course of AD negatively (16). In addition, there is ample evidence of a causal association between alcohol consumption and an earlier Alzheimer's disease age of onset survival (AAOS) and increased γ-glutamyl transferase blood concentrations (17). Although modest alcohol consumption (≤12.5 g/day) is associated with a reduced risk of dementia, with 6 g/day of alcohol conferring a lower risk than other levels, excessive drinking (≥38 g/day) may instead elevate the risk (18).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic Alcohol Use and Accompanying Noncommunicable Diseases

Ayenigbara

2020

Croat. nurs. j. (Online)

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Introduction. Heavy and chronic alcohol use connotes frequent, continuous and persistent consumption of alcoholic drinks over an extended period of time. Importantly, heavy consumption of alcohol causes many health problems to the drinker and the society at large, as over 5.1% of the global burden of morbidity and injuries are attributable to alcohol usage alone. Aim. The purpose of this study is to identify some of the noncommunicable diseases that are associated with chronic alcohol consumption through a systematic and narrative review, with detailed descriptions of the occurrences. Methods. A systematic and narrative review of literature that evaluates noncommunicable diseases associated with chronic alcohol consumption was carried out using Google, Medline and databases of major international health organizations. Keywords used as search terms were alcoholism, chronic alcohol use and heavy alcohol use; these terms were matched with occurrences and risk of noncommunicable diseases. Studies included in this review are clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and systematic and review articles. Results. The findings revealed that chronic alcohol use is either a single or joint risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, arthritis, brain malfunction, cancer (most commonly of the oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum or breast), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, epilepsy, heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases, immune system dysfunction, malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies, mood disorders, bipolar disorder and depression, osteoporosis and bone malformation, pancreatitis, and ulcers and gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion. These findings are background information as they revealed some of the noncommunicable diseases associated with chronic alcohol use. Hence, more and precise long-term cohort studies are necessary for a better understanding of the occurrences and epidemiology of noncommunicable diseases as a result of chronic alcohol use.

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“…Nondrinkers who were carriers for APOE4 showed a quicker decline in memory than controls 112 . Contradictory studies showed alcohol consumption of all levels was associated with more atrophy of the hippocampus 113 and an earlier age of AD onset 114 . A level above 48 g/day was also associated with reduced hippocampal volume 115 …”

Section: Modifiable Risk Factors Of Admentioning

confidence: 99%

Precision health in Alzheimer disease: Risk assessment‐based strategies

Azar

Salama

Chidambaram

et al. 2021

Precision Medical Sciences

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Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative condition that affects an individual's cognitive function over an extended period. Treatment and prevention for AD have long been sought after; however, no strategy has yet been successful, as individuals with cognitive impairment usually present to the clinic when they have reached an advanced stage of the disease. The disease is progressive and multifactorial in its pathogenesis. Precision medicine (PM) is the new era of medicine comprising a holistic approach in dealing with diseases. With scientific innovations, PM has improved our disease knowledge, altered diagnoses and therapy approaches resulting in a more precise, predictive, preventative and personalized patient care. PM in AD focuses, among other things, on stratifying individuals according to their risk factors of developing the disease and applying preventative strategies and personalized treatment approaches for a better outcome. In this mini‐review, we have focused on a few modifiable and non‐modifiable risk factors and presented recommendations for future consideration to implement.

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Association between alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease: A Mendelian randomization study

Abstract: Introduction:Observational studies have suggested that light-to-moderate alcohol

Cited by 55 publications

References 43 publications

Associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with healthy ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Associations of smoking and alcohol consumption with healthy ageing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

Chronic Alcohol Use and Accompanying Noncommunicable Diseases

Precision health in Alzheimer disease: Risk assessment‐based strategies

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