Roundup: Even Light Alcohol Consumption Can Raise Risk of Dementia; and More News

New Study: Any Level of Alcohol Consumption May Increase Dementia Risk

A major new study by U.S. and British researchers has found that any level of alcohol consumption may increase the risk of developing dementia.

Published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, this research challenges the long-held belief that light-to-moderate drinking could have protective effects on brain health. The new study was led by researchers at the University of Oxford (U.K.), Yale University (U.S.), and the University of Cambridge (U.K.).

Alcohol and Dementia: A Complex Relationship

Alcohol consumption is a common lifestyle factor linked to numerous health risks, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and now, dementia. While heavy drinking has long been associated with a higher risk of dementia, the impact of moderate alcohol consumption has been less clear. Some earlier studies suggested that moderate drinking might reduce dementia risk, but this new research provides compelling evidence to the contrary.

The study utilized data from over half a million participants in two large population studies—the U.S. Million Veteran Program and the U.K. (United Kingdom) Biobank. Researchers also analyzed genetic data from more than 2.4 million individuals across 45 studies to explore the relationship between alcohol use and dementia risk. This dual approach allowed the team to address potential biases and better distinguish correlation from causation.

Key Findings

The study’s findings reveal a more nuanced understanding of alcohol’s impact on brain health:

• Observational Data: Initial analyses appeared to support earlier claims that low-to-moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of dementia, compared to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. However, many non-drinkers in these studies were former heavy drinkers, which may have skewed the results.
• Genetic Evidence: When examining genetic predispositions to alcohol use, researchers found a consistent increase in dementia risk with higher alcohol consumption. This suggests that even light or moderate drinking raises the likelihood of developing dementia, with no evidence of a protective effect.
• Quantified Risk: A two-fold increase in genetic predisposition to alcohol use disorder was linked to a 16 percent higher risk of dementia. Similarly, consuming three additional alcoholic drinks per week was associated with a 15 percent increase in dementia risk.
• Behavioral Patterns: The study also noted that individuals who later developed dementia often reduced their alcohol intake before diagnosis, which may have contributed to earlier misconceptions about alcohol’s protective effects.

Expert Insights

Dr. Anya Topiwala, lead author and Senior Clinical Researcher at Oxford Population Health, emphasized the significance of these findings in a news release: “Our research challenges the common belief that low levels of alcohol are beneficial for brain health. Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect—in fact, it suggests the opposite. Even light or moderate drinking may increase the risk of dementia.”

Dr. Stephen Burgess, a statistician at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the study’s methodological rigor, in a news release: “The random nature of genetic inheritance allows us to untangle the confusion between correlation and causation. Our findings suggest that greater alcohol consumption leads to a higher risk of dementia for anyone who drinks.”

Dr. Joel Gelernter, senior author and professor at Yale University, added: “These results reinforce the growing evidence that there is no safe threshold for alcohol consumption when it comes to brain health.”

The study underscores the importance of preventive strategies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption across the population. With dementia rates on the rise globally, addressing modifiable risk factors like alcohol use could play a critical role in prevention efforts.

Researchers: Psychological Distress After Heart Attack is Common But Often Unrecognized

A heart attack is a life-altering event, but its lasting effects can extend beyond its physical impact. A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) highlights the significant, and often overlooked, psychological distress that many survivors experience. This emotional and mental strain can profoundly affect physical recovery and long-term heart health.

Published in the AHA's journal, Circulation, the statement emphasizes that conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common after a heart attack.

“Psychological distress after a heart attack is quite common but often goes unrecognized,” notes Dr. Glenn N. Levine, chair of the statement's writing group, in a news release. “We often focus on the physical aspects of heart disease, yet psychological health is linked to physical health, so when a major cardiac event like a heart attack occurs, emotional recovery is just as important."

The Strong Link Between Mind and Heart

The connection between psychological well-being and cardiovascular health is becoming increasingly clear. The AHA statement suggests that post-heart attack depression could be considered a formal cardiac risk factor, similar to high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.

The statistics are telling:

• Approximately one in three heart attack survivors develops depression.

• Up to 50 percent of survivors may experience anxiety and stress during hospitalization, with these feelings persisting in 20-30 percent of individuals for months.

• Those at higher risk include women, individuals who are unmarried, unemployed, living alone, or lack strong social support.

This psychological distress is not just a matter of feeling down; it carries significant health risks. Studies have shown that survivors with post-heart attack anxiety have a 1.3 times higher risk of another heart attack or death. For those with depression or PTSD, the risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event or death can double.

How Distress Affects the Body

The connection between mental state and physical health is both biological and behavioral. A heart attack can trigger inflammation and hormonal changes in the body that alter brain chemistry, potentially leading to depression or anxiety. Acute stress itself can cause the heart’s arteries to narrow (a condition called coronary vasoconstriction), reducing blood flow to the heart.

Behaviorally, psychological distress can undermine recovery efforts. Individuals struggling with their mental health may be more likely to have poor sleep, eat unhealthily, remain inactive, or smoke. They might also withdraw socially, miss medication doses, or fail to complete essential cardiac rehabilitation programs — all of which increase the risk of future heart problems. Some may even develop "cardiac anxiety," an intense and debilitating fear of having another heart attack.

While temporary fear or frustration is a normal reaction to a major health event, persistent sadness, hopelessness, or excessive worry may indicate a more serious condition. The AHA encourages health care professionals to be vigilant for signs of psychological distress during follow-up care, recognizing that a patient's emotional recovery is a critical component of their overall healing journey.

CDC: 2024–25 Influenza Season Saw Most Flu-Related Pediatric Deaths Since 2009-10

Excluding the 2009–10 H1N1 pandemic, the 2024–25 influenza season recorded the highest number of pediatric deaths since influenza-associated child mortality became nationally notifiable in 2004, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC found that 280 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, representing a national rate of 3.8 deaths per 1 million children. This statistic underscores the critical importance of annual influenza vaccination and heightened awareness of influenza's potential severity.

Influenza's Impact on Children

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. While it often results in mild to moderate symptoms, it can lead to severe complications and death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children.

The 2024–25 season saw a significant resurgence in influenza activity, with 86 percent of pediatric deaths linked to influenza A viruses, primarily subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. The median age of children who succumbed to the illness was 7 years, with 61 percent of deaths occurring in children under 9 years old.

Key Findings from the 2024–25 Season

Several critical insights emerged from the CDC's analysis of pediatric influenza-associated deaths:

1. Underlying Medical Conditions: Among the 262 children with available medical history, 56% had at least one underlying condition, such as neurological disorders or developmental delays. These conditions often increase the risk of severe influenza complications.
2. Vaccination Status: Alarmingly, 89% of vaccine-eligible children who died were not fully vaccinated against influenza. This highlights a persistent gap in vaccination coverage, despite longstanding recommendations for annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older without contraindications.
3. Clinical Course: The median time from symptom onset to death was just 4 days, with shorter intervals observed in children who died outside of hospitals or in emergency departments. Shock, sepsis, and pneumonia were among the most common complications preceding death.
4. Demographic Disparities: Mortality rates were highest among Black or African American children (5.8 deaths per 1 million), emphasizing the need for targeted public health interventions to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

The Role of Vaccination

Vaccination remains the most effective tool for preventing influenza and its complications. The CDC strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older, ideally by the end of October. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of contracting the flu but also mitigates the severity of illness in those who do become infected. Despite these benefits, vaccination rates among children remain suboptimal, as evidenced by the high percentage of unvaccinated pediatric decedents during the 2024–25 season.

Lessons for Public Health

The 2024–25 influenza season serves as a stark reminder of the flu's potential to cause widespread illness. Public health efforts must prioritize increasing vaccination coverage, particularly among children and high-risk groups, the CDC states. Additionally, parents and caregivers should be vigilant for warning signs of severe respiratory illness, such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, or lethargy, and seek prompt medical attention when these symptoms arise.

The resurgence of influenza activity following the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of sustained prevention efforts. Co-circulation of multiple influenza A subtypes during the 2024–25 season likely contributed to its severity, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and preparedness, the CDC said.