Alcohol may lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

In a review of some 44 studies, more then half shows moderate drinkers had lower dementia risks than non drinkers.

Alcohol is thought to reduce the chance of mini-strokes that cause dementia.

Loyola researchers, who conducted the study, suggest a second possible explanation. Small amounts of alcohol may make brain cells more fit.

Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink or less per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men.

There's more on this study in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.