LAUSR

Key Points Question Is alcohol consumption associated with the risk of dementia and cognitive decline in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment? Findings In this cohort study of 3021 participants aged 72 years and older, alcohol intake within recommended limits was not significantly associated with a lower risk of dementia among participants with or without mild cognitive impairment at baseline. Among participants without mild cognitive impairment, daily low-quantity drinking was associated with lower dementia risk compared with infrequent higher-quantity drinking. Meaning These findings suggest that physicians caring for older adults need to carefully assess the full dimensions of drinking behavior and cognition when providing guidance to patients about their alcohol consumption.