Health Effects

Summary Long-term alcohol use can shrink brain volume, damage white matter, and impair memory and learning—all of which may affect your cognition. A major study found that alcohol use disorders were the leading modifiable risk factor for early-onset dementia, linked to nearly 40% of cases. Possible mechanisms behind alcohol-related dementia include excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, acetaldehyde toxicity, … Read more

Summary Alcohol can raise or lower your heart rate depending on the dose, timing, and your individual response. Short-term effects may include a racing or irregular heartbeat, while long-term use can reduce your heart rate variability (HRV) and increase the risk of chronic cardiovascular issues. Alcohol can also slow your heart rate dangerously by affecting … Read more