How does alcohol improve cognitive functioning?!
Question: i've heard that this is true
how is this possible?
why do some people believe this?
Answers: i've heard that this is true
how is this possible?
why do some people believe this?
The "Nurses Health Study" of around 2005, as well as a few others, suggested there is some evidence that MODERATE (that means "only a little", or a glass or two a day, for anyone who might get confused) alcohol consumption has some health benefits.
The studies that have been done to date don't suggest it "improves" cognitive functioning as such, but that it could reduce the risk of cognitive decline over time - an important distinction! Precisely why this occurs is not understood, but it's known that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease, and the thinking is that its effect on cognitive function would be for similar reasons.
The distinction between "moderate" and "excessive" (like getting drunk) is also hugely important, as is the distinction between drinking a glass of alcohol with a meal and drinking at a bar - which tends to never be "moderate"! The adverse effects of excessive alcohol are very well documented, and totally wipe out any benefits from moderate drinking.
The best type of alcohol is by far red wine. It is high in antioxidants, and the French, for example, who usually have a glass of red with their meals, have very low rates of heart disease compared to other countries despite having a high fat diet (the "French paradox"). Alcohol is not the big bogeyman people make it out to be if it is consumed sensibly. Unfortunately very few people do.
Cliff said it best:
One afternoon at Cheers, Cliff Clavin was explaining the Buffalo Theory to his buddy Norm. Here's how it went:
"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this....A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members."
"In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
It does not....It just makes a person an Alcoholic over time.
Hate to tell ya but alcohol is a deppresent. It will not help cognitive function. This is why it is illegal to drive impaired because it dosen't help with cognitive function.
I know some golfer say have a beer helps them relax and their game improves. The key is to quantity. Having one can help. Having 2 or 3 things start to decline quick.
Where did you hear that from?
Alcohol doesn't do anything
Good for your body.
It shuts off all motor functions
And upsets the balance of the chemicals in your brain activating diff parts of your brain to react...that's why people become addicted to it. I don't know the whole thing about how it affects the brain, but that's my understanding of it....also doesn't do good for your liver, obviously.
can u copy n paste ur resourse - Tnx ! =)
Cognitive function while consuming alcohol is impaired. The degree to which it is impaired is dependent on blood alcohol content.
I think you are asking, however, whether or not moderate consumption of alcohol, over time, can improve overall cognitive ability when not in the act of imbibing.
Moderate alcohol consumption is believed by many to possess some health benefits. There is some evidence that it may improve cardiovascular health, including cerebrovascular health. But, this potential benefit would not likely improve cognitive ability, just reduce the risk of strokes.
However, the jury is still out about the health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. So, if alcoholism doesn't run in the family, cheers, MODERATE consumption of alcohol probably won't hurt you. There is no doubt about the harmful effects of heavy alcohol consumption, though.
It doesn't!
It only allows you to fool yourself into thinking you are smarter than you actually are!
Read the footnotes of your cite:
1. Dufouil, C. Sex differences in the association between alcohol consumption and cognitive performance. American Journal of Epidemiology, 1997, 146(5), 405-412; Rouche, B. The Neutral Spirit. Boston, Massachusetts: Little, Brown & Co. 1960, p. 76; Christian, J. C., et al. Self-reported alcohol intake and cognition in aging twins. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 1995, 56, 414-416; Elias, P.K., et al. Alcohol consumption and cognitive performance in the Framingham Heart Study. American Journal of Epidemiology, 1999, 150(6), 580-589; Bates, M.E., and Tracy, J.I. Cognitive functioning in young "social drinkers": Is there impairment to detect? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1990, 99, 242-249. Galanis, D. J., et al. A longitudinal study of drinking and congnitive performance in elderly Japanese American men in The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study. American Journal of Public Health, 2000, 90, 1254-1259.
I never heard that one.