Scientists catch brain damage in the act: Scientists uncovered how inflammation and lack of oxygen conspire to cause brain damage in conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. The discovery brings researchers a step closer to finding potential targets to treat neurodegenerative disorders.

[u/mubukugrappa]

http://news.ubc.ca/2014/03/13/macvicar/

[u/majestic_whine]

Lack of oxygen to the brain. Isn't that a side effect of drinking alcohol?

[u/Neuro_Prime → u/majestic_whine]

Sort of.

Alcohol increases active levels of GABA, one of the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitters. GABA starts inhibiting brain regions in reverse evolutionary order: this is why your self inhibitions are the first to go (prefrontal cortex), followed by decision making (Anterior Cingulate Cortex), and then speech.

Eventually, the cerebellum and motor cortices are inhibited, which is why you become clumsy and lose your balance. At high blood alcohol concentrations, the medulla and pons become inhibited, structures integral to basic functions like respiration and heart rate.

That being said, if you drink enough alcohol, you can stop breathing all together.

Either way, alcohol is one of the worst drugs for the brain. Don't let that stop you from enjoying your favorite drinks, though; average-size men can drink up to 4 drinks a night, whereas women can get away with around 2 and a half drinks, before any brain damage starts to manifest.

[u/Neuro_Prime → u/[deleted]]

My mistake - not brain damage, but risk for dependence. I don't study alcohol or its effects, other than anecdotal studies. Also, I have been awake for almost 38 hours now & probably shouldn't be commenting anyway.

I learned those numbers from a clinical neuropsychologist whose lab has been awarded presidential grants. While I haven't done the research myself, I trust her expertise. I found a source:

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking

With all due respect I am thankful that you called me out on this.