Red Wine Drinkers Show Subtle Brain Differences in Study of 57 Adults, but No Structural Changes Detected

Researchers at the Heart Institute (InCor) of the Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, have released new findings on how moderate red wine consumption may affect brain activity. The study, led by Professor Protásio Lemos da Luz, used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuropsychological tests to compare 30 regular red wine drinkers with 27 people who abstain from alcohol. All participants were adults without signs of cognitive decline.

The research took place in São Paulo and involved teams from InCor, the Hospital das Clínicas, and the Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology. Participants underwent brain scans while performing standard attention and memory tasks. They also completed neuropsychological assessments outside the scanner to measure attention, memory, and mental processing speed.

The results showed no significant differences in the structural features of the brain between wine drinkers and abstainers. However, there were differences in how certain brain regions were activated during cognitive tasks. Abstainers showed greater activation in areas of the left parietal lobe, a region at the back of the brain involved in processing sensory information and attention. The researchers noted that age and intelligence levels influenced these patterns of brain activity.

On neuropsychological tests such as the Stroop and Trail Making tests, which measure attention and mental speed, those who drank red wine performed slightly better than abstainers. Despite these findings, the researchers caution against drawing firm conclusions. Professor da Luz emphasized that this is an exploratory study designed to generate hypotheses for future research rather than prove a direct effect of red wine on brain function.

Lucas Z. Campane and Mariana Nucci, members of the research team, explained that moderate red wine consumption was not linked to any reduction in brain volume in the areas studied. They suggested that differences in brain activation could reflect compensatory mechanisms that vary with age and intelligence, but said it is not yet possible to identify a clear neurobiological explanation for these variations.

The scientists stressed that larger and longer-term studies are needed to better understand how moderate alcohol consumption might relate to cognitive health. Professor da Luz pointed out that other studies have linked red wine to possible cardiovascular and neurological benefits, partly due to antioxidants like resveratrol found in grapes. However, he warned that these associations should not be interpreted as recommendations to drink alcohol.

Cardiologist Roberto Kalil Filho also commented on the findings, urging moderation and responsibility when it comes to alcohol use. He warned that scientific results suggesting potential benefits should not encourage indiscriminate drinking, especially among people with a history of heart disease, liver problems or addiction.

This study is part of a partnership between InCor and several Brazilian wine industry organizations supporting scientific research into the effects of wine and grape juice on human health. Institutions involved include Sicredi, Consevitis-RS, Fecovinho, ACIU, Agavi, Uvibra, Sindivinho RS, Anprovin and Sindusvinho. According to representatives from these groups, supporting research helps inform public debate and demonstrates a commitment to responsible production and evidence-based information.

The researchers plan further studies to clarify whether moderate red wine consumption has any long-term impact on cognitive function or brain health. For now, they recommend caution in interpreting these early results and advise individuals to consult healthcare professionals before making changes to their drinking habits based on scientific studies.