David PerlmutterPresident,, Perlmutter Health Center · Board-Certified Neurologist | Functional Medicine Pioneer | #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author | International Speaker | Host of The Empowering Neurologist Podcast

Moderate Drinking? Good or Bad for the Brain

2 Feb 2026 · 0 min

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In this brief segment, Dr. David Perlmutter challenges the long‑standing belief that moderate alcohol consumption benefits the brain. He cites recent research indicating that alcohol acts as a neurotoxin, threatening the viability of brain cells. Consequently, the notion that one or two drinks per day are protective is no longer supported. Perlmutter advises viewers to cut back on alcohol if they wish to preserve brain health and maintain cognitive function.

Remember when we used to say that alcohol consumed moderately was actually good for the brain? Well, new research indicates that is just not the case. Alcohol is a neurotoxin, means it's threatening to the viability of your brain cells. So the idea of 1 or 2 drinks a day being good for you, no longer. You really want to cut back if you want to preserve brain health and preserve cognitive function.