Possibly, their correction may contribute to the reversible nature of brain damage and cognitive impairment of alcoholics after drinking cessation, although this study strongly suggest that potentially irreversible vascular lesions may play a contributory role in brain atrophy; and also, perhaps, that ethanol may interact with molecules involved in vessel wall metabolism, such as sclerostin, potentiating its deleterious effects. The gene discussed is SOST; the disease is Cognitive impairment.