Low to moderate alcohol consumption decelerates the slow-but-albeit relentless failure of cognitive function through into old age. This effect has been observed in women, but not in men. Such the conclusion of a European study conducted in Ireland, in the Netherlands and in Scotland.

The study involved 3 000 subjects from 70 to 82 years of age whose cognitive functions were tracked over 3.2 years, drinking habits known. Of the women 42% fell to be classified as low to moderate alcohol drinkers. The rate for the men wast 74%. The women scored better in all conducted tests, including memory tests. Such was not the case for the men.