Alcohol can lead to cell death, resulting in significant cognitive impairment, but that's only true under these circumstances:
-- Excessive and persistent alcohol consumption
-- Exposure to alcohol during early developmental stages
-- Excessive and persistent alcohol consumption
-- Exposure to alcohol during early developmental stages
According to research by Alfonso-Loeches et al. (2006) and Pfefferbaum (2004):
When alcohol is consumed very frequently in large amounts the brain’s plasticity and normal function are interfered with.
Alcohol activates inflammation in the brain, damaging the frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and thalamus.
This widespread inflammation prevents the repair of vital proteins in the brain, thus resulting in cell death.
When alcohol is consumed very frequently in large amounts the brain’s plasticity and normal function are interfered with.
Alcohol activates inflammation in the brain, damaging the frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and thalamus.
This widespread inflammation prevents the repair of vital proteins in the brain, thus resulting in cell death.
According to research by West, Goodlett, Bonthius, Hamre, and Marcussen (1990) AND Bonthius, D. J., Bonthius, N. E., Napper, and West (1992):
The brain is also threatened during the early developmental stages of life. During these stages, the brain is highly sensitive, and therefore, can be damaged very easily.
Neuronal death, equivalent to cell death, is seen in cases of early alcohol exposure.
The tremendous loss of neurons in the brain often leads to severe and irreversible cognitive impairment.
The brain is also threatened during the early developmental stages of life. During these stages, the brain is highly sensitive, and therefore, can be damaged very easily.
Neuronal death, equivalent to cell death, is seen in cases of early alcohol exposure.
The tremendous loss of neurons in the brain often leads to severe and irreversible cognitive impairment.
Besides these extreme circumstances, a few drinks in moderation won't kill you...or your brain cells at least!