Epidemiologic evidence has established that moderate consumption
of wine (250–500 mL/d), compared with an intake of
more or less than this amount, is associated with a reduced risk
of subsequent all-cause dementia (relative risk 0.56, 95% CI
0.36–0.92) and of Alzheimer disease (relative risk 0.53, 95% CI
0.30–0.95).7 Advice about alcohol consumption should be tempered
by the known risks of excessive use in terms of neurologic
and other organ damage, as well as increased risk of injury from
intoxication. In the absence of evidence from randomized controlled
trials, a firm recommendation for the use of alcohol to
reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease cannot be offered, neither
can we recommend that a nondrinker begin to drink alcohol.