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A new study has linked moderate consumption of alcohol to brain shrinkage.
The study, which was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications on March 4, found that any amount of daily alcohol intake could accelerate the decline in the size of the brain -- which shrinks naturally over time -- and lead to a more rabid decline in memory, decision making and other functions, even in moderation, USA TODAY reports.
Researchers in the United Kingdom observed the MRIs of more than 36,000 middle-aged individuals and grouped them by their daily alcohol consumption and found that the amount of alcohol consumed coincided with a decline in brain volume, regardless of differing factors.
Researchers reported a 50-year-old who consumed at least half a beer or half a glass of wine daily was shown to have brain shrinkage equal to aging at a rate of two years.
Individuals who drank more -- at least one daily beer or glass of wine -- were reported to have aged three and a half years, according to the study.
People who consumed four drinks daily compared to those who didn't drink at all were reported to have experienced a brain aging rate of 10 years.
The individuals who didn't drink or consumed half of a beer daily were still linked to a smaller brain volume, though only aging a half year more.
You can read the full study here.