Is there any evidence to support that alcohol kills the brains cells or is it just a fallacy?

Question

Ledo 81....and you are an expert are you, rude person you!

What's with the insults from some of you....oh yes of course too much alcohol kills the social skills..... sorry silly old me!

So much anger tonight.......

I've obviously touched a raw nerve with this question.

Answer 1

We use 10% or less of our brain anyways, who cares?


btw- people, where in the question does it say being an alcoholic or heavy drinking?

Answer 2

The truth about alcohol killing brain cells. Enjoy....

"In one episode of 'Cheers', Cliff is seated at the bar describing the 'Buffalo Theory' to his buddy Norm. I don't think I've ever heard the concept explained any better than this...

"Well you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo and when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive drinking of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers." "

Answer 3

I have been heavily drinking for just over 4 years "6 days a week average" Now and I have lots of problems thinking and doing things like working "even though I'm very good at my job" If I stay sober for over a day. If I go a couple of days without drinking I have intense mood swings and shake alot.

Answer 4

Very interesting. Found online articles that argued both sides. http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/HealthIssues/1103162109.html and http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm I would think it would depend very much on the amount of consuption. Alcohol kills nerve cells and the brain is a complex of nerve cells, so I would tend to lean towards the view of the AA people.

Another interesting report out of UNC is that new brain cell development occurs during alcohol abstinance. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041108015734.htm

Answer 5

Talk to a heavy drinker over 65 sometime, that'll let you find out for yourself. Also it gives you wrinkles and bad skin, and a very strange body shape, in both men and women.Who wants to end up an old pathetic drunk? Easier to stop while you are still young (or never start at all) IMHO.

Answer 6

My dad is an alcoholic and had pre senile dementia aged 51.

Pre senile dementia has a much higher frequency among alcoholics than the rest of the population.

Proof enough for me.

Answer 7

yes it does but so does getting old, brain cells constantly die. Alcohol affects every part of your body except the inner ear. From drinking too much you can get wet-brain which is when you become extremley mentally ill and there is no cure.

Answer 8

No, it's total nonsense. I've been drinking for 16 years and my concentration is in perfect...oh look, a bug. Mm, tiny. Yes, so...sorry, what was the question again?

Answer 9

alcohol really kills your brain cells. it can mess up your body in a short amount of time .. evertime you drink you kill your body little by little

Answer 10

Gazza, Ozzy Osbourne, Shane McGowan - that should tell you all you need to know on that score.