Read our Privacy noticeDrinking any quantity of alcohol could increase the risk of developing dementia, new research has shown. They assessed three measures: self-reported weekly drinks, risky drinking and alcohol dependency. open image in gallery Research has shown that even drinking small quantities of alcohol could lead to dementia ( Getty/iStock )In each case, a higher genetic risk for alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of dementia. A 2016 analysis also found that once former drinkers were excluded, the apparent protective effect of light drinking largely disappeared. open image in gallery A higher genetic risk for alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of dementia ( Getty/iStock )She said: “Genetic evidence offers no support for a protective effect, in fact, it suggests the opposite.