Isn't excessive or binge drinking linked to some forms of early onset Parkinson's? I read that in a tabloid (I know, great source!). It was a story about a young celebrity with the disease.
I'm an alcoholic, and as a result am not at leisure to recommend drinking or not doing so to those that can drink moderately. The fact is that I ruined my own drinking privilege. Progressing into deep middle age has hurt my memory a bit. I can't remember nearly with the sharpness I used to. This may have to do with years of excessive drinking, but perhaps not.
Unlike other potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or target shooting, the person who is affected negatively by alcohol does not notice the increasing grip drinking gains on his life until it is too late to stop.
It is the miracle of my life that I am sober today and have been so for more than fifteen years. When people recommend drinking as a means of obtaining better health, I always advise great care.