However, in degenerative diseases, regaining lost functions is challenging, as these diseases involve ongoing cell death. It’s more accurate to specify the type of dementia, such as dementia related to thiamine deficiency or cerebellar degeneration due to alcohol use. Find out about Alcohol-related ‘dementia’ including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, support and rehabilitation. People who are addicted to alcohol are also much less likely to have a balanced diet. This means that over months and years, they have a higher risk of malnutrition, including a lack of vitamins such as thiamine Drug rehabilitation (vitamin B1). Other people with ARBD will have more serious problems with their memory and thinking.
Symptoms of alcohol-related dementia
“Essentially, many heavy drinkers may not live long enough to develop these conditions, which typically occur later in life,” says Justo. A 2019 review found a significant association between reducing a person’s alcohol consumption with a lower risk of cognitive impairments and dementia. Some of the common symptoms of alcohol-related ‘dementia’ may make it harder for a person to take part in an alcohol treatment programme. These symptoms can include denial, lack of insight and being impulsive. A person can be diagnosed with alcohol-related ‘dementia’ if they have problems with memory, thinking or reasoning that severely affect their daily life, and are most likely to have been caused by drinking too much alcohol. A person with alcohol-related ‘dementia’ may be unsteady on their feet and more likely to fall over – even when they are sober.
General Health
Lastly, if Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is suspected, an MRI of the brain may be used to look for damage that can confirm the diagnosis. The primary cause of alcohol-related dementia is chronic excessive drinking over a prolonged period. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the brain, and continuous abuse can result in thiamine deficiency, which is essential for brain function. The deficiency predominantly arises because those who consume alcohol excessively often have poor diets, leading to nutritional shortages. Moreover, alcohol can cause the brain to shrink, particularly affecting the frontal lobes, which are responsible for planning, judgment, and social behavior. While alcohol-related dementia can’t always be fully reversed, proper treatment can slow its progression and improve daily functioning.
Which questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
- Preparing and planning ensures that both financial and caregiving responsibilities are more manageable, providing a safer and more stable environment for everyone involved.
- Read our tips for supporting a person with ARBD (alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff’s).
- “In general, if someone keeps drinking, the situation becomes more and more severe,” Dr. Rothenberg says.
- That said, if this information makes you question whether you want to drink at all, that’s not necessarily a bad thing—there’s never been a better time to mix things up if you want something “fun” and zero-proof to drink.
In people with young-onset dementia (who are younger than 65 years old) ARBD affects about one in eight people. It is likely – for a wide range of reasons – that the condition is under-diagnosed. This means that the number of people living with ARBD is probably higher.
The best way to prevent alcohol-related dementia is to avoid drinking too much alcohol. Talk to a healthcare provider or a loved one if you’re worried you’re drinking too much. Alcohol-related dementia usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 50 who have been drinking heavily for years. But you can develop alcohol-related dementia at any age if you’re drinking more alcohol than is safe. Even if you think you can go cold turkey yourself, it’s essential to get help, because withdrawal can seriously impact the nervous system. “People can have tremors, shakes, and even convulsions,” Savage explains.
By educating oneself about these options and proactively seeking support, individuals dealing with alcohol-related dementia, directly or indirectly, can find some relief in an otherwise challenging situation. Preparing and planning ensures that both financial and caregiving responsibilities are more manageable, providing a safer and more stable environment for everyone involved. Chronic alcohol use doesn’t affect everyone the same way, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol-related dementia. Left unaddressed, the condition can lead to serious complications that impact overall health and independence. Drinking well above this increases your risk of brain and organ damage, raising the chance of dementia.
To evaluate alcohol’s impact on the brain, Dr. Justo and his team examined brain tissue obtained through autopsies performed on more than 1,700 people who had died at 75 on average. Excessive alcohol may compromise executive functions in people with dementia https://soctrangsolar.com/quit-smoking-alcohol-drugs-today/ and can lead to memory, learning, problem-solving, and judgment problems. Individuals may also be irritable, have sudden outbursts, and have issues with coordination and balance. It can reduce the size of the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. However, many support services have a ‘complex needs’ team which are better equipped to support the different needs of someone with alcohol-related ‘dementia’. It is likely that a person will need a brain scan to rule out other causes of their symptoms.
Causes & Risk Factors
A person with alcohol-related ‘dementia’ may also have problems with their memory. They might not be able to understand new information – for example, they may quickly forget the details of can drinking alcohol cause dementia a conversation. They may also not be able to recall knowledge and events, such as where they lived previously or places where they have been on holiday. The person may have memory loss and difficulty thinking things through. They may have problems with more complex tasks, such as managing their finances. If you regularly drink much more than this, you are increasing your risk of damage to your brain and other organs, and so increasing your risk of dementia.
Can Alcohol Cause Dementia? An MD Breaks Down the Potential Impact of Heavy Drinking
Long nights blurred by drinks, forgotten conversations, and moments slipping through your fingers. Heavy drinking doesn’t just affect your liver or relationships; it can quietly reshape your brain over time. If you or a loved one are dealing with the impacts of alcohol on cognitive health, exploring financial and educational assistance options can prove invaluable. Governments and institutions offer various programs that provide support and guidance. AlcoholAwareness.org is dedicated to providing support and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. We aim to raise awareness, offer guidance, and connect people with recovery programs to help them regain control and improve their lives.