This literature review indicates that chronic alcohol misuse accelerates brain aging and contributes to cognitive impairments, including those in the mnemonic domain also affected in Alzheimer’s disease. The diagnosis of an alcohol problem is best made by review of medical histories and interviews with patients. Preventive Services Task Force, current estimates are that fewer than 50% of people who visit primary care providers for alcohol-related issues are asked about the problem. Table 1 presents details regarding the literature searches conducted in preparation for this review. Similarly, whereas the terms “Alzheimer’s” and “alcoholism” yielded 318 results, “Alzheimer’s” and “alcohol use disorder (AUD)” returned only 40 citations. The searches also considered subtypes of dementia in addition to Alzheimer’s disease, such as alcohol-related WKS and vascular, frontotemporal, and Lewy body dementias.

Mid Stage Alcohol-Related Dementia

Alcohol is linked to a reduction in the volume of the brain’s white matter, which works to transmit signals between different regions of the brain. Long-term, excessive alcohol use may also shrink parts of the brain involved with memory. Learn how drinking too much alcohol can impact the brain and increase the risk of developing dementia. Plus, learn how you can reduce and even reverse alcohol-related dementia with the proper steps. From mild cognitive support to more intensive care, our memory care neighborhoods are designed to provide high acuity assistance to seniors with varying stages of impairment.

Terminology

This is because women are at a greater risk of the damaging effects of alcohol. If a person regularly drinks too much alcohol, they also have a higher risk of repeated head injuries. While under the effects of alcohol they may fall and hit their head, or receive blows to the head in fights or as victims of violence. A lot of the brain damage that is caused by alcohol happens because it prevents the body from getting  enough thiamine (vitamin B1). Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short space of time (such as a single evening) is known as ‘binge-drinking’. It is equivalent to drinking 8 units or more for men and 6 units or more for women.

What are the Symptoms of Alcoholic Dementia?

For instance, research suggests that a five-year history of drinking 35 alcoholic beverages a week for men and 28 for women presents a “sufficient” risk for the development of ARD. Once the withdrawal process is over, you’ll likely be referred to a mental health professional for extra support. Joining a support group can also be helpful at this stage of treatment. The first part of treatment for alcohol-related dementia aims to help you stop drinking alcohol.

• Long-term, excessive alcohol use may also shrink parts of the brain involved with memory.
• Several animal studies have paired excessive alcohol consumption with changes in brain proteins that can lead to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, according to the Journal of Neuroinflammation.
• However, women who have ARBD tend to get it at a younger age than men, and after fewer years of alcohol misuse.
• The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

These often occur if treatment for Wernicke encephalopathy does not work. A thiamine deficiency over a long period of time can cause brain atrophy or damage. Alcohol-related dementia is a type of brain disorder where a person develops issues with thinking or processing and memory. There are two main subtypes, including Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, though experts may refer to them together as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. A doctor will ask a patient questions to determine whether their cognitive impairments result in disturbances to their daily functioning.

How is alcoholic dementia treated?

Studies show that about 50% of people with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndromeonly live eight years after reaching this stage. Even with treatment, some symptoms, such as gait changes, confabulation, or memory loss, may not improve. Prompt treatment with thiamine (vitamin B1) for people with Wernicke encephalopathy can potentially prevent or lessen the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. However, vitamin B1 treatment rarely improves the loss of memory that takes place once Korsakoff psychosis has developed. While the statistics can be intimidating, try to remember that they don’t determine your journey with ARD.

Alcohol-Induced Dementia

Wernicke-Korsakoff should be treated as a medical emergency and, if caught early, can be treated with large amounts of thiamine. Changes such as these can make everyday tasks like cooking and paying bills more difficult. They can also result in changes in mood, personality, and social skills. We understand the importance of creating a nurturing and welcoming environment where residents feel valued, respected, and loved. Our can alcohol cause dementia dedicated team is committed to going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of every resident under our care. At Kensington Park Senior Living, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to our residents, regardless of the level of care they require.

Health Conditions

It causes their memory and ability to think clearly to get worse over time, especially if the person drinks too much over many years. It can affect the way the brain works, resulting in problems with memory, judgment, and decision–making. Alcohol misuse can also contribute to severe nutrition problems and vitamin deficiencies, which may cause dementia over time. A small number of studies seem to suggest that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol reduces dementia risk compared to not drinking at all.

What are the symptoms of alcohol-related ‘dementia’?

Read on to learn more about the types of alcohol-related dementia, common symptoms, key risk factors, and how you can help a loved one experiencing alcohol dementia. A 2019 review found a significant association between reducing a person’s alcohol consumption with a lower risk of cognitive impairments and dementia. A 2020 study showed that moderate alcohol intake could lower a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.