You are in Artículos VOLUME 50 Issue 2 | Monograph "Psychobiology and substance addictions"
Alcohol consumption in older adults: implications for longevity and cognitive health
30/06/2025

Alcohol consumption in older adults: implications for longevity and cognitive health

abstract

Population ageing poses a major global challenge, given its profound economic, social and healthcare implications. Recent studies report troubling rise in alcohol consumption among older adults, highlighting the urgency of examining its primary effects and to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. This article reviews the latest evidence on how alcohol consumption and misuse affect biological ageing and longevity in older people. Findings suggest that alcohol may accelerate biological ageing, as indicated by biomarkers such as telomere shortening and alterations in DNA methylation patterns. Chronic alcohol consumption has been linked to increased frailty, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, and impairments in immune system function. Structural and functional alterations in the central nervous system have also been reported, along with a higher risk of cognitive decline and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, although some debate persists regarding the potential protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption. Furthermore, emerging pharmacological treatments—such as the use of ketamine and semaglutide—are currently being explored, in combination with personalized intervention strategies and public health initiatives aimed at reducing the adverse effects of alcohol on health and quality of life in older people.

Keywords:

Alcohol, brain health, ageing.

View article in PDF View PDF in Spanish

Authors

  • Rosa Redolat - Departament de Psicobiologia. Facultat de Psicologia i Logopèdia, Universitat de València. España

  • Patricia Mesa-Gresa - Departament de Psicobiologia. Facultat de Psicologia i Logopèdia, Universitat de València. España

  • Santiago Monleón - Departament de Psicobiologia. Facultat de Psicologia i Logopèdia, Universitat de València. España

  • Inés Moragrega - Departament de Psicobiologia. Facultat de Psicologia i Logopèdia, Universitat de València. España

  • Concepción Vinader-Caerols - Departament de Psicobiologia. Facultat de Psicologia i Logopèdia, Universitat de València. España

Financing

No funding declared

Share: