NEW RESEARCH: From Maiken Nedergaard, the discoverer of the brain's glymphatic cleansing system, which occurs when we sleep. Large amounts of alcohol slowed down the brain's glymphatic cleansing system (in mice)--whereas a low amount of alcohol improved function. This may explain higher risk of dementia in heavy drinkers. "The acute glymphatic suppression from moderate and high dose alcohol may be due simply to lowered cardiac output from alcohol intoxication resulting in reduced pulse pressure, which has previously been identified as a driver of CSF flux along the periarterial channels." Main takeaway: low alcohol consumption may be good for brain health, but do not over-indulge. More research ahead. Now, time for a small, but delicious, glass of red wine ?? https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-20424-y

Article