In moderation, alcohol may help prevent Alzheimer's

Drinks and dementia

Moderation is key in all things - especially for older people drinking alcohol.

Researchers say a glass of wine or a nightcap once in a while might help prevent Alzheimer's disease in people over 75.

Previous studies have found moderate alcohol consumption, particularly of wine, is linked with lower risk of heart attacks and dementia, but most of those studies have involved middle-aged subjects.

For this new study, Wake Forest University Medical School researchers interviewed more than 3,000 people age 75 or older.

Those with no cognitive impairment who drank one or two drinks a day had an average of a 37 percent reduction in the risk of developing dementia, compared to those who didn't drink at all.

But those who had mild impairment declined faster if they drank alcohol, and those who drank more than 14 drinks a week were more than twice as likely to develop dementia as non-drinkers.

The findings support advice not to exceed one drink per day for women, and two for men.

Liquid calories

Summer can make you want to gulp down a cold one, but make sure what you're drinking won't add a tire around your waist.

Drinking just one 16-ounce soda a day can add up to two pounds to your body weight in a month - 24 pounds in one year! It can also increase your risk of diabetes.

One cup of a soft drink contains almost 100 calories. Drinks like orange juice or Sunny D have more nutritional value, but can pack even more sugary calories.

While plain coffee has almost no calories, a 16-ounce Starbucks Frappucino runs 430 calories.

Good alternatives included water, calorie-free flavored water, 1 percent milk at 110 calories per cup or a Starbucks Iced Caffe Americano. Made with espresso, it contains a mere 15 calories.