Researchers recommend booze-loving men to slow down by the time they reach their 50s, as Science Daily reports that heavy drinking at midlife may hasten memory loss by up to six years.
Dr. Séverine Sabia of the University College London followed and assessed 5,054 men and 2,099 women thrice over a span of 10 years. Upon reaching the average age of 56, the participants were then asked to undergo a memory and executive function test twice over another decade.
The results revealed that there was no difference in the mental capabilities of those who avoided alcohol and those drank 20 grams or less in a day. However, those who consumed 36 grams or more within 24 hours showed memory loss and executive function decline a year and a half to six years faster than light and moderate drinkers.
Sabia suggests that middle-aged men should limit themselves to only one drink a day to help maintain their mental health.
(Photo by k.ivoutin via Flickr Creative Commons)
