Alcohol linked to brain damage for heavy drinkers, study finds

That volume of alcohol was linked to a higher risk of developing a type of brain lesion called hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which causes a narrowing and thickening of blood vessels and impedes the flow of blood in the brain.

This can lead to memory and cognition problems, according to a press release from AAN.

"We looked at how alcohol affects the brain as people get older. Our research shows that heavy alcohol consumption is damaging to the brain, which can lead to memory and thinking problems."

The researchers examined brain autopsies of 1,781 people averaging 75 years of age, focusing on any signs of brain injury or damage.

They then gathered information about the participants' alcohol consumption from family members, the AAN release stated.

The risk was 89% higher than former heavy drinkers and 60% higher than moderate drinkers.

When determining the level of consumption, the researchers defined one drink as containing 14 grams of alcohol, equating to about 350 milliliters (ml) of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of distilled spirits.

Among those who used to be heavy drinkers, researchers noted a decline in cognitive function and lower brain mass proportional to body mass, an effect that was not found among current heavy drinkers or moderate drinkers, the release stated.

Heavy drinkers had an average 13-year shorter lifespan compared to those who never drank alcohol.

"Understanding these effects is crucial for public health awareness and for continuing to implement preventive measures to reduce heavy drinking."

Dr. Frances Lee, who treats alcohol-related liver disease at Mount Sinai Health Systems in New York City, previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the effects of alcohol on the brain.

Heavy alcohol use has also been found to increase the risk of dementia, she warned.

The researchers noted that the study only shows an association and does not prove that heavy drinking causes brain injury.

The study was supported by The São Paulo Research Foundation.