Researchers from Pennsylvania State University have conducted a study revealing that excessive alcohol consumption during youth may lead to long-term brain function impairments. An article detailing these findings was published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, as reported by Tengri Life, referencing "Lenta.ru."
The study, performed on mice, indicated that neurons responsible for signal transmission in the brain undergo changes similar to those associated with cognitive impairments.
The experiment simulated the human tendency to engage in heavy drinking on weekends. Mice were given access to alcohol every four days for four weeks, corresponding to the early adulthood period. Following this, alcohol was completely removed for six months, which is equivalent to several decades of human life.
Scientists found that even after a prolonged period of abstinence from alcohol, pyramidal neurons exhibited reduced excitability, making signal transmission more difficult. This situation is akin to a "gas pedal" in the brain requiring more effort to activate.
The changes in neurons caused by binge drinking were found to be similar to those observed in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This suggests that binge drinking at a young age could be one of the factors contributing to cognitive impairments in old age, even if alcohol consumption ceased decades earlier.
The authors of the study emphasize that cognitive health issues resulting from youthful drinking could potentially be prevented or mitigated. They also plan to conduct further research aimed at discovering therapeutic interventions.