Latest Scientific News
Updated information about scientific approaches and research field.
Thursday, 22 September 2022 07:20
Is abstinence a risk factor for dementia?
In a large sample of older adults (> 60 years) from low- and middle-income countries, the current study found that abstaining from alcohol is associated with an increased risk of dementia. In recent decades, the global prevalence of dementia has almost tripled, from 20.2 million in 1990 to 57.4 million in 2019. By 2050, the number of individuals living with dementia is projected to increase to 152 million. Without having a treatment for dementia, reducing the risk factors is fundamental…
Monday, 29 August 2022 12:46
No alcohol is not always the solution – health benefits of moderate consumption for adults over the age of 40
The 2022 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study (1) is a meta-analysis and modelling study, where 22 alcohol-related health risks in 204 countries were examined. Unlike the study results released in 2018, the alcohol-related health risks in every country were taken into account this time. The results show that the risks from the consumption of alcoholic beverages vary greatly depending on the disease, age, and region. The study confirms a J-shaped risk association between heart attack and stroke mortality –…
Monday, 29 August 2022 12:43
Moderate (wine) consumption: an independent benefit for cardiovascular diseases
The often-reported protective association of moderate alcohol intake with cardiovascular disease is frequently debated and whether the benefits are “real” or the result of methodological errors of the studies - has often been questioned. It is important to clarify this issue since cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death worldwide. The main critiques of studies, which found benefits of a moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and cardiovascular health were: the selection of the reference group and, the lack…
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 14:28
Potential protective effect of moderate wine consumption on cognitive decline
A Spanish systematic review and meta-analysis identified a possible protective effect of moderate wine consumption[1] on the development of cognitive decline. The authors caution, however, that the results do not suggest that the population should increase their wine consumption since this could be harmful. However, considering their results, low wine consumption could be promoted among other lifestyle factors, including the Med Diet, as an effective habit to prevent or delay cognitive deterioration in the healthy population. They also suggest that…
Wednesday, 15 June 2022 14:24
A Mediterranean dietary pattern can reduce type 2 diabetes risk
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rising at an alarming rate worldwide and is becoming a public health priority. In 2021, it affected 537 million individuals and is responsible for 6.7 million deaths. Persons with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases and cancer. T2D is the result of a combination of genetic predisposition, obesity and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet, among others. Some lifestyle changes can prevent T2D, the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean…