Early adult drinking linked to middle-age cognitive decline—even after extended abstinence
Summary
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study shows heavy drinking in early adulthood, especially when paired with stress, can lead to cognitive decline in middle age even after long abstinence. The effect is linked to persistent changes in brain circuitry and oxidative stress in the locus coeruleus, potentially resembling early dementia markers. The findings highlight long-term brain health risks and may inform future interventions and research methods.