Continuing Coverage: Dear Caregiver Coach: I was surprised recently when I read that having a drink or two can help stave off Alzheimer’s. What do you know about this? — Social Drinker. Dear Social Drinker: Yes, you are correct. A study that was published in October 2014 by UTMB researchers found that for people 60 and older who do not have dementia, light alcohol consumption during late life is associated with higher episodic memory — the ability to recall memories of events.