New research indicates that even moderate drinking by adolescents on a regular basis can cause potentially lasting changes to the part of the brain that affects memory.
Much of the previous research focused on behavioral effects of alcohol consumption. The new study looked at long-term effects of “intermittent” drinking on the circuitry of an adolescent brain.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/adolescents-drinking-takes-lasting-toll-on-memory-1430173521
Probably explains why I have so little RAM up there. I may have had more at one time, but I can’t recall.
LOL ClassicRockerDad, I think this might resemble me as well. It was tough growing up in the 70s.
The article says the brain isn’t fully developed until 25. Should the drinking age be raised? (Until, like, never. . . 
)
I dunno… I always take these studies with a grain of salt considering how well the world did even when alcohol was regularly consumed by young people. I mean… look at the Germans who are well known for their love of Bier 
Anyway, here is the method (as described in the article):
One… I consider 5 drinks way more than moderate. I drink fairly regularly and by 5 drinks, I’m drunk.
Two… it never did sit right with me to generalize from rats to people.
Three… that’s a strange way to demonstrate “intermittently” IMO.
I despise when articles don’t link (or even NAME) the study. If someone sees it and I’m missing it, let me know.
I don’t recall this being such a big issue when I was younger.
Memory? Lost it!! I tell my kids this all the time. I firmly believe this is why for me. Far too much “fun”, too little college!
I would be more likely to believe this if it explained why the impaired memory would only become evident after 35 years or so. That would hit home.
I spent every Sunday of my childhood in a bar full of Irish men. Let me tell you, nothing makes you decide to be a teetotaller like seeing a couple of old Irish drunks not quite making it to the bathroom.
(I’m not actually a teetotaller, but I never drank any liquor until I was well over drinking age).
I’ll never know for sure. I drank too much, yeah, but 420 was my buzz of choice. Plus 6-7 assorted trips by the time I left my teens. Who knows what caused what. I certainly wouldn’t recommend playing it the way I did . . .