#142 How Alcohol Affects Your Brain

In this episode of the HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, host Noreen Turley talks to Dr Sean O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist and Clinical Lead for HSE National Dementia Services, and Dr Claire Neill, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the National Health Improvement Team. They discuss how alcohol affects the brain in the short and long term, including its impact on mood, sleep and mental health. They also explore alcohol use among young people, why there is no safe level of alcohol for health, and how population-level measures like pricing, availability and marketing restrictions can reduce harm. Drinking alcohol, especially at higher levels over time, can damage brain cells and is linked to a higher risk of dementia. This makes changing your drinking an important way to protect your brain health. Claire and Sean share practical advice on how cutting down on alcohol can improve your sleep, mood, energy and thinking, and how the brain can recover when people reduce or stop drinking. They also highlight supports available if you’re concerned about your drinking. Your GP can help by offering advice, carrying out a brief assessment and, if needed, referring you to HSE drug and alcohol services or counselling. You can also contact the HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or visit Ask About Alcohol for clear, trusted information and support: www.dementia.ie www.askaboutalcohol.ie Produced by GKMedia.ie