New research which tracked more than 1,300 middle class males and females over a 30 year period found that those whop drank more were likely to live longer and reduce the risk of getting dementia in later life.
The study from the University of California, San Diego, found that those who consumed one to three alcoholic drinks a day lived longer and were generally healthier.
The research also revealed that “moderate to heavy drinkers” who consumed alcohol five out of seven days a week were doubly likely to be cognitively healthy than their non-drinking counterparts.
The cognitive health of the study participants was assessed every four years known as the Mini Mental State Examination.
However, the experts behind the study warned that excessive alcohol intake – more than four drinks a day – can lead to alcohol-related dementia – when too much alcohol can lead to neurological damage and weakened cognitive function.
Dr Linda McEvoy, who led the research, said: “This study is unique because we considered men and women’s cognitive health at late age and found that alcohol consumption is not only associated with reduced mortality, but with greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age.”
She added: “It is important to point out that there were very few individuals in our study who drank to excess, so our study does not show how excessive or binge-type drinking may affect longevity and cognitive health in ageing.”
Other drinks, according to research, that can reduce the risk of dementia are green tea, which can minimise cognitive impairment in older people by 50 per cent.
Another is turmeric latte – a chemical in the spice – curcumin – was shown to prevent decline in mental function.