[Graeme]

Moderate drinkers end up better thinkers

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')ugust 04, 2005
Moderate drinkers have been found to be better thinkers than heavy
drinkers and those who do not drink at all, according to the Australian National University research. In a study of more than 7000 people aged 20-24, 40-44 and 60-64, participants were asked about their alcohol use, and to perform a series of tests to measure cognition - verbal skills, memory and speed of thinking. People who had drunk moderate amounts of alcohol (14-28 standard drinks a week for men and 7-14 standard drinks a week for women) performed significantly better than those who were heavy drinkers (over 28 and 14 standard drinks for men and women respectively) and those who rarely or never drank.
Other findings from the project have included:
· Strong associations between childhood adversity and adult depression. Factors most strongly related to depression include: mother’s depression, reports of neglectful upbringing, too much physical punishment, having an unaffectionate father, and experiencing a lot of family conflict.
· Bisexual people tended to suffer more from anxiety, depression and suicidal tendency than homosexual or heterosexual study participants.
· Young Australian adults are the least likely to obtain GP care, compared to other age groups - despite evidence of significant mental health problems, such as tendencies towards suicide and substance abuse. The study found that those who used GPs were most likely to be female, to have been or be undertaking higher education and to be living with children. Young adults were also identified as having poorer physical health, more chronic diseases and higher levels of suicidal ideation when regularly using marijuana.
· Elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety and negativity were related to levels of tobacco consumption and marijuana use for both young men and women.

[KiddieKorral]

Is this the buffalo theory in action?

[Specop_007]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('KiddieKorral', 'I')s this the buffalo theory in action?

[Graeme]

That's a good joke. Considering I'm in a jovial mood this morning, it fits in well. But these people (ANU researchers Dr Kaarin Anstey and Dr Bryan Rodgers) are deadly serious. And Dr Anstey was recently awarded the The Margret M. Baltes Early Investigator Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology from the Gerontology Society of America in recognition of her outstanding early career contribution to gerontology. ANU is an internationally well-respected university in Australia.

[MD]

I think I will have a beer!

[Carlhole]

"Drinkers are better thinkers", indeed!

I tell you, consider the source of that statement: Australians!

It's just like I heard the other day: "The brain is the biggest sex organ in the human body".

But consider the source! The BRAIN said that!

[MD]

Don't forget that with boys the brain decends to the testicles at age 14 or so and remains there until age 25.

[Graeme]

Without doubt, all of these posters will survive PO. Depressed? Nah.

[MD]

The first beer was great! I believe I will have a second! BUT THAT WILL BE IT...MODERATION YOU KNOW

[Graeme]

MD - You're allowed 2 more. Have a couple of drinks to that!

[k_semler]

Pfft! I drink 2 cases a week, sometimes more!

[MD]

Ummm...A quart does count as "one", doesn't it?

[cynthia]

MD said, "Ummm...A quart does count as "one", doesn't it?"

Ummm...not really but it was worth the laugh.
And today in the very hot Willamette Valley,in the state of Oregon, I am enjoying my immoderate fourth beer. (12 ounces each, thank you very much).

[MD]

Actually mine was also 12 ounces, and I never managed to get to the second. I just couldn't resist the quart post

[cynthia]

MD-yeah well I feel like a total lush now! But at least I have the heat and PO concerns to blame for my immoderate behavior today.

[Bedevere]

NOT looking forward to Peak Beer

[eric_b]

This is old news.

Cerebral Darwinism: alcohol kills off the weak brain cells - only the strong remain.

[Doly]

I seriously doubt that dissolving a small amount of your brain cells can help your brain work better.

[eric_b]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Doly', 'I') seriously doubt that dissolving a small amount of your brain cells can help your brain work better.

[Falconoffury]

Maybe the brain becomes more active when it realizes it's under attack.