The findings challenge the idea that light drinking could benefit brain health, researchers said.

They also suggest that cutting down alcohol consumption across the population could “play a significant role in dementia prevention”.

The study, led by experts at the University of Oxford, Yale University, and the University of Cambridge, looked at data from 559,559 people involved in the UK Biobank and US Million Veteran Programme.

During the follow-up period, some 14,540 people developed dementia.

Researchers found non-drinkers and heavy drinkers, who consumed 40 or more drinks a week, had a 41% higher risk of developing dementia compared to light drinkers, who had fewer than seven alcoholic drinks a week.

This rose to a 51% risk among those who were alcohol-dependent.

Researchers also

See Full Page