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Updated: Dec 19, 2025

A Machine Learning Approach to Design an Efficient Selective Screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: January 11, 2020
Association between alcohol intake, mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia: a dose-response
Yongfeng Lao1, Lijuan Hou2, Jing Li3
1Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a cognitive state falling between normal aging and dementia. The relation between alcohol intake and risk of MCI as well as progression to dementia in people with MCI (PDM) remained unclear.
Objective:
To synthesize available evidence and clarify the relation between alcohol intake and risk of MCI as well as PDM.
Method:
We searched electronic databases consisting of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine disc (CBM) from inception to October 1, 2019. Prospective studies reporting at least three levels of alcohol exposure were included. Categorical meta-analysis was used for quantitative synthesis of the relation between light, moderate and heavy alcohol intake with risk of MCI and PDM. Restricted cubic spline and fixed-effects dose-response models were used for dose-response analysis.
Result:
Six cohort studies including 4244 individuals were finally included. We observed an unstable linear relation between alcohol intake (drinks/week) and risk of MCI (P linear = 0.0396). It suggested that a one-drink increment per week of alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of 3.8% for MCI (RR, 1.038; 95% CI 1.002-1.075). Heavy alcohol intake (> 14 drinks/week) was associated with higher risk of PDM (RR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.10-2.82). And we found a nonlinear relation between alcohol intake and risk of PDM. Drinking more than 16 drinks/week (P nonlinear = 0.0038, HR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.00-2.02), or 27.5 g/day (P nonlinear = 0.0047, HR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.00-2.11) would elevate the risk of PDM.
Conclusion:
There was a nonlinear dose-response relation between alcohol intake and risk of PDM. Excessive alcohol intake would elevate the risk of PDM.
Insights
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of progression to dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Even moderate drinking may elevate the risk of MCI, highlighting the need for careful alcohol intake management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
- The specific impact of alcohol consumption on MCI development and progression to dementia remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize existing evidence on the association between alcohol intake and the risk of developing MCI.
- To clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and the progression to dementia in individuals already diagnosed with MCI (PDM).
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CBM) up to October 2019.
- Prospective cohort studies with at least three alcohol exposure levels were included.
- Meta-analysis, including restricted cubic spline and dose-response models, was employed to quantify the risks associated with light, moderate, and heavy alcohol intake.
Main Results:
- Analysis of six cohort studies (4244 participants) revealed a potential linear association between weekly alcohol intake and MCI risk.
- Heavy alcohol consumption (over 14 drinks/week) was significantly linked to an increased risk of progression to dementia in people with MCI (PDM).
- A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed, with excessive drinking (over 16 drinks/week or 27.5 g/day) elevating PDM risk.
Conclusions:
- A nonlinear dose-response relationship exists between alcohol intake and the risk of progression to dementia in individuals with MCI.
- Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia.
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