These reports always highlight the relative risk, not the absolute risk.
Over the course of the study the absolute risk was 2.5%.
While this reinforces the dangers of alcohol consumption the actual increase in risk is significant but small.
Over the course of the study the absolute risk was 2.5%.
While this reinforces the dangers of alcohol consumption the actual increase in risk is significant but small.
Effect size and baseline risk matter a lot, and while the idea that alcohol was pro-health always felt a little suspect, I don't think this kind of risk profile is at all significant enough for people to change their habits for.
I didn't also read too much into this study, but there is a stark difference between old age dementia and younger dementia. My mom contracted dementia symptoms at 58, which is so much more devastating than another family member who started showing symptoms at 97.