How Does Alcohol Change Your Brain?

About this episode

This episode discusses how alcohol affects the brain and emphasizes the importance of reducing alcohol intake for brain health.

In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Hugh Cahill, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian the One and Columbia, about how alcohol affects the brain. They explore how alcohol alters neurotransmitters to create short-term feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but over time can lead to increased risk for brain atrophy, memory problems, mood disorders, vascular damage, and dementia. Dr. Cahill explains that even moderate drinking is associated with measurable brain changes, and that the effects are cumulative across a lifetime. He emphasizes that protecting brain health involves reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, managing cardiovascular risk factors, maintaining proper nutrition (especially B vitamins), and prioritizing sleep.

People in this episode

Host: Courtney Allison

Guest: Dr. Hugh Cahill

Topics covered

• alcohol effects
• brain health
• neurology
• mental health
• nutrition
• exercise

Keywords

• alcohol
• brain
• neurotransmitters
• memory
• mood disorders
• vascular damage
• dementia
• nutrition
• exercise

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia

More episodes of Health Matters

• How to Protect Against Ticks and Lyme Disease · June 3, 2026 · 15 min
• What Does Kindness Do for Your Health? · May 20, 2026 · 14 min
• How Can You Protect Your Joints? · May 6, 2026 · 15 min
• What is Inflammation, and Why Does it Matter for Your Health? · April 22, 2026 · 15 min
• Why Allergies Happen and How to Find Relief · April 8, 2026 · 16 min
• Gut Health, Fiber, and the Microbiome, Explained · March 25, 2026 · 16 min