According to researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, older women who drink a moderate amount of alcohol have slightly higher levels of mental functions (particularly verbal activities) than non-drinkers.

"Our research confirms other studies suggesting that for older women who choose to drink -- and are not restricted from drinking for medical reasons -- moderate alcohol intake is not harmful for cognition and may provide some mental benefits," said Mark Espeland, Ph.D., lead author.

This study, available on-line in the journal Neuroepidemiology, found that compared to non-drinkers, women who reported drinking up to two or three drinks per day performed better on measure of global cognitive function: concentration, language, memory and abstract reasoning.

Read more at WFUBMC News.