Recently, social media has been abuzz with information linking champagne consumption to dementia prevention. This was all based on a study in 2013 in the United Kingdom. Typically, red wine has been touted for health benefits due to resveratrol, one of its potent ingredients, which has been associated with both a stronger heart and improved mental health.

Researchers in the 2013 study, an animal model, found that champagne and red wine have certain compounds in common and extrapolated that such properties might help prevent some forms of dementia, for instance, Alzheimer’s disease and also promote other aspects, like spatial memory. The researchers noted, when the study was originally published, that alcohol consumption should be reasonable and  they believed that an intake of a mere 1 to 2 glasses per week could yield positive results.

However, the National Health Service in England urged caution in relation to the researchers’ findings. The conclusions drawn in the study were based on a rat model of a mere 24 animals. This is not at all comparable to a human model. Much further research is  necessary before any valid inferences or conclusions re champagne as a possible preventative for Alzheimer’s disease could be realistically drawn.

Based on an article published on 11/10/15 on FoxNews.com