Dementia, including Alzheimer's, costs the UK approximately £43 billion annually, with projections indicating this figure could double by 2040.

The NHS recommends that adults limit their alcohol intake to no more than 14 units per week, which is equivalent to six pints of beer or a bottle and a half of wine.

Dementia currently affects nearly one million individuals in the UK and about seven million in the US, with numbers expected to rise significantly due to an aging population.

The risk of developing dementia increases five-fold after the age of 65, continuing to rise every five years.

As individuals age, the brain naturally has fewer neurons, making it more susceptible to damage from alcohol, which can accelerate neuron loss and impair cognitive functions.

Dr. Restak emphasizes that alcohol acts as a weak neurotoxin that can harm nerve cells crucial for memory and cognitive function, highlighting the importance of preserving neurons as one ages.

While research indicates that only a 2 to 4 percent loss of neurons occurs over a lifetime, the need to safeguard brain health becomes increasingly important with age.

Dr. Richard Restak, a prominent American neurologist, recommends that individuals significantly decrease alcohol consumption starting at age 65, ideally stopping altogether by age 70 to protect cognitive health.

Reducing alcohol intake could significantly lower the risk of developing dementia, as heavy drinking is linked to higher chances of cognitive decline, although moderate drinking's protective effects remain inconclusive.

He also points out the physical dangers associated with alcohol consumption in older adults, including an increased risk of falls and serious injuries due to impaired balance and coordination.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, a type of dementia caused by alcohol, results from disrupted absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is crucial for brain health.

Although it is a myth that we lose nerve cells rapidly as we age, protecting the remaining neurons is essential for maintaining overall brain health.