Alcohol and the Brain: A Cult Report by Academician Uglov in 1983. Comparison with modern research

Description: The article discusses the main theses of the report of academician Fedor Uglov on the threat of alcohol to the human brain, presented in 1983. The data of modern studies confirming and supplementing the idea that alcohol negatively affects almost all body systems are also presented. The material will help to understand why there is not a single disease, the course of which would not be aggravated by the use of alcohol.



Introduction
“There is no disease that does not worsen from the use of alcohol” – these words have long become a catch phrase for doctors and public figures trying to convey to society the true extent of the harm of alcohol. But this idea was especially loud in the legendary report of academician Fyodor Grigoryevich Uglov, made back in 1983. This outstanding surgeon devoted much of his work to the struggle for sobriety. His speeches and works are classics of anti-alcohol propaganda in the Soviet Union. Today, decades later, science has gone even further to understand and prove the devastating effects of ethanol on a wide variety of aspects of health, especially the brain.

How did that historical report come about? What key theses did Uglov defend, and how do modern scientists consider them today? Why do alcoholic beverages undermine not only the health of the body, but also the normal functioning of the brain, leading to irreversible changes in nerve cells? In this article, we compare the views of the academician with current scientific data to emphasize that the problem has not lost its acuteness, but rather acquired new facets in the light of recent discoveries in neuroscience and psychology.

Main part

1. A brief biography of academician Fyodor Uglov and the historical context
Fedor Grigorievich Uglov (1904-2008) was a Soviet and Russian surgeon, scientist and public figure, who went down in history not only due to surgical success (he was one of the oldest practicing surgeons in the world), but also actively promoting a healthy lifestyle. His famous 1983 report is part of a broader campaign launched during the Soviet era to combat alcoholism. At that time, various measures were actively introduced: higher prices for alcohol, restrictions in trade, propaganda materials in the press.

However, Uglov went beyond political slogans. He proved very convincingly that alcohol destroys the most important resources of the body, and first of all hits the brain. Medical experience allowed him to observe thousands of patients in whom alcohol abuse led to deterioration of postoperative conditions, complicated the course of any chronic diseases, interfered with rehabilitation. His words “there is no such disease, the course of which would not worsen from the use of alcohol” became a kind of motto summing up many years of medical practice.

An important place in his speeches was occupied by the question of “alcohol and the brain”: he told how alcohol literally “burns out” the cells of the nervous system, contributes to the degradation of personality and inhibits intellectual processes. Perhaps this is the aspect of the report we will focus on, because modern research gives us a detailed understanding of the biochemistry and neurobiology of this process.



2. The main theses of the Uglov report
Among the key points that Academician Uglov emphasized in his speeches and publications, there are several “pillars”:

• The brain is the primary target. According to Uglov, it is the brain that suffers primarily when a person drinks alcohol. He gave examples of pathoanatomical studies that showed signs of atrophy and structural changes in nerve cells.
• Alcohol weakens the immune system. He said there were no diseases where alcohol was “useful.” On the contrary, with any pathology, alcohol consumption worsens the body's defense mechanisms, slows down the regeneration of tissues.
• Family and social consequences. Uglov particularly noted the damaging effects of alcohol in the family. The dependence of one family member affects the psyche of children, forming a vicious circle of cultural drunkenness and creating new health problems.
• Prevention through education. The academician believed that the necessary reforms and restrictions are useless without changing the consciousness of people. He called for the dissemination of medical knowledge showing the real dangers of alcohol.

Although the methodological basis in the 1980s was more modest than it is now, many of his ideas have been confirmed in modern research. Consider how science has broadened and deepened Uglov’s theses, especially concerning the effects of alcohol on the brain.

3. Modern scientific research on the effect of alcohol on the brain
Over the past decades, science has made a tremendous leap in understanding the biochemical mechanisms of the effects of alcohol. Ethanol, which is the basis of any alcoholic beverages, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and directly interacts with neurons. Modern methods of brain scanning (MRI, PET, fMRI) have allowed you to look deep into the processes that trigger alcohol:

• Degeneration of white and gray matter. Chronic alcohol syndrome is associated with a decrease in the volume of white matter (conducting pathways) and gray matter (neuron bodies) in the cortex. This negatively affects cognitive functions: memory, attention, executive abilities.
• Neurotransmitter failure. Alcohol disrupts the balance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, dopamine and serotonin. This explains the “euphoric” effect that occurs at the beginning, and the subsequent drop in mood, irritability, anxiety.
• Zeroing the synapses. Regular alcohol abuse can lead to the death or weakening of synaptic connections (which play a key role in learning and memory). This “breaking” of synapses results in problems with learning and coordination.
• Increased vascular permeability of the brain. Alcohol causes inflammation and structural vascular changes, making the brain vulnerable to toxins and other harmful agents.

Thus, if in 1983 Uglov spoke about the destructive effect of alcohol on nerve cells on the basis of pathoanatomical observations and clinical experience, today we can confirm this with numerous experimental data. Alcohol actually destroys the brain at the cellular and molecular levels, especially in chronic use.

4. The “Usefulness” Question of Moderate Doses: What Does Science Say?
One of the most heated debates is the idea that “small doses of wine are good for health.” Long-term epidemiological studies show that there is no unequivocal conclusion. Previously, some studies pointed to the positive effect of moderate red wine consumption on the cardiovascular system (the so-called “French paradox”). However, more recent and large-scale meta-analyses question these results, pointing to possible other factors (nutrition, lifestyle) that people who drink a little wine may be healthier overall.

As far as the brain is concerned, the scientific consensus is that there is no “safe dose” of alcohol that is completely risk-free. Any amount of ethanol can carry a potential hazard to nerve tissue, although the difference between "critical drinking" and "cultural wine glass" is clear. In the context of Uglov’s ideas, we can say that he did not recognize “useful doses” at all, pointing out that each unit of alcohol already bears certain damage and can aggravate the course of existing diseases or provoke new ones.



5. Arguments of opponents of sobriety and their criticism
Even taking into account all the facts about the dangers of alcohol, a strong cultural tradition remains in society. Proponents of “beyond common sense” argue that alcohol, being an integral part of holiday traditions, can “lift the mood”, relieve stress. But is it worth putting the brain and the body at risk for a brief euphoria?

• Stress and relaxation. Yes, alcohol for a short time can reduce stress, but after a while it causes the opposite effect - increases anxiety, disrupts sleep, increases fatigue.
• The social side. The argument "uncomfortable to give up when everyone is drinking" doesn't hold up when it comes to health. Gradually, the culture of society is changing, and more people are choosing non-alcoholic alternatives.
• Medical conditions. There is no medical recommendation to “drink to improve health.” On the contrary, alcohol complicates the course of diseases and puts many body systems at risk.

Uglov stressed in his report that if people realized the true extent of the harm, they would stop seeing alcohol as the “norm” and replace the tradition of libations with healthier rituals. Today, we can add that brain science fully agrees that ethanol does not give the brain any “benefits”, but it does bring very real devastating consequences.

6. Conclusions and recommendations for the preservation of the sober brain
Comparing the theses of Fedor Uglov with modern scientific data, we can confirm that alcohol really destructively affects the brain, contributing to neurodegeneration, reducing immunity and aggravating the course of all diseases without exception. Today, when we have more advanced imaging technologies (MRI, PET, etc.), all Uglov’s observations about nerve cell death, cognitive decline, and general health decline are even more clearly confirmed.
What to do to minimize risks and keep the brain awake?

1. Withdrawal or significant restriction of alcohol. If a complete rejection seems difficult, at least limit the frequency and quantity. Any reduced dose is less negative for the brain.
2. Healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep help the body recover better and compensate for the load. If alcohol is still consumed, these factors reduce the degree of harm, but do not eliminate it completely.
3. Educational work. Study materials about the dangers of alcohol, watch videos, read scientific publications. The better you understand the mechanisms, the stronger the motivation to stay sober.
4. Supporting the environment. If your circle of friends and family shares a sober attitude, it becomes easier to give up alcohol. You can also find like-minded people in social networks - now the number of sober communities promoting healthy leisure is growing.

Conclusion
The report of Academician Uglov in 1983 became an important stage in the antithesis struggle against alcoholism in the USSR, bringing a clear message to society: alcohol beats the whole body, and the brain suffers primarily. Decades later, scientific research has only strengthened these positions, describing in detail how ethanol destroys neural networks, causes cell death, inhibits cognitive function and increases the risks of a variety of pathologies.
No matter how widespread the cultural traditions of drinking alcohol, objective facts suggest that its use is a direct path to poor health. No disease is better if ethanol interferes with the equation. And while people used to rely on the authority of thinkers like Uglov, today we rely on detailed neurobiological studies that clearly show the destructive effects of alcohol on the brain.
So, it is worth listening to the precepts of the past and the achievements of modern science: careful attitude to yourself and refusal of alcohol can be one of the most important steps to maintain a clear consciousness, good health and a long active life.

Glossary

• Fedor Grigoryevich UglovSoviet surgeon and academician, known for his works and reports on the dangers of alcohol.
• ethanolChemical compound (C2H5OH), the main component of alcoholic beverages, has a psychoactive effect.
• The blood-brain barrierA physiological barrier between blood and nerve tissue that protects the brain from many toxins and microorganisms.
• NeurodegenerationThe process of progressive deterioration of the structure or function of neurons, leading to their death and loss of brain function.
• Brain scanning method (MRI, PET, fMRI)Modern ways of studying the activity and structure of the brain, giving detailed images in real time or in the context of structures.
• Beer alcoholismAddiction arising from the regular consumption of beer, often underestimated for harm.
• Cognitive functionsIntellectual functions of the brain, including memory, attention, thinking, learning ability.
• "The French Paradox"A hypothesis explaining the low rate of cardiovascular disease in France by the supposedly moderate consumption of red wine, but not conclusively supported scientifically.