Memory tonic: A number of human epidemiological studies suggest that low-level drinking could have positive effects on memory and delay the onset of age-related dementias.
Credit: iStockphoto
SYDNEY: Contrary to popular belief, indulging in moderate amounts of alcohol might improve memory, rather than diminishing it – suggesting that drinking to forget may not be the best strategy.
Most people have experienced memory blanks the day after a big night on the town. But now a new study of alcohol and memory, from the University of Auckland in New Zealand, adds to evidence that moderate drinking can improve some kinds of memory.
Studies on rats have revealed that alcohol consumption, equivalent to a glass or two of wine daily, can enhance memory. But the same studies showed that sustained, high alcohol consumption inhibits the brain's ability to create new cells and impairs most memories except those linked to 'heightened emotion', when memory is increased, said neuroscientist and lead author Maggie Kalev.
"Pathologically disturbed"
Kalev worked with molecular geneticist Matthew During of Ohio State University in Colombus, USA, to dig deeper into the brain chemistry of the phenomenon. As they report this week in the Journal of Neuroscience, over four weeks they fed rats liquid food solutions that had either 0, 2.5 or 5 per cent alcohol in them.
The lower dose of alcohol is equivalent to a couple of glasses of wine a day and produces blood-alcohol levels well below typical legal driving limits. The higher dose gave the rats equivalent blood-alcohol levels well above the driving limits. Over a two-week period following the trial, they tested the rats for their recall 'neutral' memories (such as the location of objects) and 'emotional' memories (unpleasant stimuli - in this case a mild electric shock to the foot).
The results revealed that a moderate dose of alcohol slightly improved both types of memories, while the higher dose "pathologically disturbed the balance," said Kalev: rats drinking heavily were worse at remembering objects, but remembered unpleasant stimuli very strongly.
Memory-enhancing drugs
In further tests, the researches were able to reveal the mechanism within the brain that causes low doses of alcohol to improve memory. They found that a part of the communication machinery within the brain – known as the NMDA receptor – was affected by alcohol. This neurotransmitter receptor is thought to have a role in learning and memory. When the pair experimentally knocked it out in rats, they found that a low dose of alcohol no longer had any beneficial effect on their memory.
"We believe low-level drinking may represent a form of a mild injury that is not bad enough to cause harm but makes the brain to respond by becoming stronger," suggested Kalev. "A similar concept to exercising muscles. Mild challenge becomes beneficial."
During argues that the find could have clinical significance in people: A number of human epidemiological studies suggest that low-level drinking could have positive effects on memory and delay the onset of age-related dementias.
"There is some evidence suggesting that mild to moderate alcohol consumption can protect against diseases like Alzheimer's in humans," he said. "But it's not apparent how this happens." Building on the knowledge of the study may help in the treatment of dementia – and might even lead to the development of memory-enhancing drugs, said the researchers.
The study also highlights a previously unknown negative consequence of heavy drinking. "People often drink to drown sorrows. Our results suggest that this could actually paradoxically promote traumatic memories and lead to further drinking, contributing to the development of alcoholism," warned Kalev. "The concept of drinking to forget is unlikely to be true."
So if we shouldn't drink to
So if we shouldn't drink to forget, did the study provide any recommendations?
not good
Alcohol will mess you up very bad. If you drink than this habit will ruin your life. Once you have become an addict, your life will turn to disaster as soon as you know. I suggest a drug and alcohol rehab center for those who need it real bad. Don`t get yourself fooled with alcohol.
Dont drink.Its not worth it.
Dont drink.It kills you even in small ammounts, it is a poison to the body.My dad drank a bottle of sherry or cider every other day to forget his bad childhood.He was an orphan in a childrens home.His dad put him there when he became a widower and remarried ,going on to have children with the new wife and keeping them at home.Imagine how my dad felt.Rejection.Big time.He carried this with him all his life and died at 60 from a massive stroke.The drink caused this as my dad had thickened blood from the alchohol causing blood clots that went to his brain.Ive given it up and feel liberated.Its not worth it.I want to have a long lifespan. Dont let it kill you.