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| - Quick Take
A social media post claims that alcohol can shrink and damage the brain as shown. We did the fact check and found out the claim is false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, alcohol consumption drastically deforms the brain, showing a parched “drinker’s brain” alongside a normal “non-drinker’s brain.”
Fact Check
Was the brain in the post deformed due to alcohol use?
No, the deformed brain is an ancient preserved specimen that has no connection to alcohol use. This shrunken brain was discovered in 2008 inside a 2,600-year-old decapitated head found in the U.K. Remarkably, it was naturally preserved in waterlogged conditions, reducing its size to about 20% of its original state. A 2020 research paper on the specimen highlights its historical significance and the rare preservation of brain tissue, as brains typically decay quickly after death. However, the study makes no mention of alcohol use. The claim post misleadingly associates the brain’s condition to drinking.
Is the “non-drinker’s brain” in the image authentic?
No, the non-drinker’s brain is a stock image used for illustrative purposes. The “non-drinker’s brain” matches stock imagery available on various platforms. While it represents an idealised model of a healthy human brain, it is not specific to non-drinkers. The comparison is an oversimplification, as brain health depends on various factors, including lifestyle, diet, and genetics, not just alcohol consumption.
Can alcohol consumption cause significant brain changes?
Yes, excessive alcohol can alter the brain, but not to the extent shown in the image. Heavy drinking over time can cause brain shrinkage, particularly in areas responsible for memory, emotions, and decision-making. Chronic alcohol use may affect the brain as:
- Reduced grey and white matter: Long-term drinking damages these critical brain components, slowing communication and impairing functions.
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A severe neurological disorder caused by alcohol-related thiamine deficiency, leading to memory loss and confusion.
- Cerebral atrophy: Excessive drinking can lead to tissue loss in the brain, though this process is gradual and less severe than depicted.
Emerging evidence shows that even small amounts of alcohol can harm health, with no level considered completely safe. Despite this, some still claim that alcohol offers health benefits. On the other hand, the damage caused by heavy drinking can often be improved with sobriety and proper care. Additionally, some social media posts have falsely claimed that alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of COVID-19.
We spoke to Dr Amit Harshana, General Physician and Community Medicine Specialist at Akeso Health, New Delhi, about alcohol consumption. He explains, “While some studies suggest moderate drinking, especially red wine, may offer heart benefits, these claims are often overstated. The risks—such as liver disease, cancer, mental health issues, and addiction—far outweigh any potential benefits. Any benefits from moderate drinking can be better achieved through a healthy diet and regular exercise.”
Dr Harshana advises people to avoid drinking for health benefits and emphasizes that myths about alcohol’s positive effects exaggerate the truth. He encourages people who drink to cut down. He suggests prioritising a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, regular exercise, and social connections. These habits support long-term well-being.
We also connected with Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert opinion on alcohol consumption. She says, “Alcohol can have serious long-term effects on health, even in moderate amounts. It can increase the risk of liver disease, heart problems, and various cancers. Regular consumption also impacts mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and addiction. The harm caused by alcohol often outweighs any supposed benefits, and it’s important to consider these risks before deciding to drink.”
What makes alcohol-related brain changes different from natural shrinkage?
Alcohol accelerates brain changes that might otherwise occur with age. Natural ageing leads to minor brain shrinkage over decades. Alcohol, however, can speed up this process, especially in chronic heavy drinkers. Unlike the ancient brain shown in the post, which shrank due to natural decomposition over centuries, alcohol-related shrinkage happens gradually and affects specific regions, like the hippocampus and frontal lobes.
THIP Media Take
The claim that alcohol can shrink and damage the brain as shown in the image is false. The viral post wrongly links the deformity of an ancient, naturally preserved brain to alcohol use. While heavy drinking can lead to brain shrinkage and cognitive issues, the extreme visuals shown in the post have nothing to do with alcohol. The second brain in the image is simply a stock illustration of a healthy brain. Although alcohol does affect the brain, its impact is far less dramatic and certainly not as immediate as the post claims.
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