Can Alcohol Cause Dementia? Substance Abuse & Memory

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Physician supervision could be necessary during this several-week process. Brain injuries and trauma can increase the chance of getting dementia, especially if alcohol is consumed in large amounts over a long time. However, as stated, the exact cause of alcoholic dementia remains controversial.

White Matter Damage

In our research, we observed a higher representation of individuals with late-onset alcoholism in the group with dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia. Some patients presented with alcoholism as the first symptom, preceding other cognitive or behavioral changes. Loved ones may overlook problematic drinking, assuming symptoms are simply signs of aging. Doctors may miss it, too, especially when patients are isolated, have multiple medications, or are reluctant to disclose drinking habits. Replace alcohol’s role with something life-giving — Many people drink to relax, to connect, or to escape. Replace that habit with activities that actually rebuild your brain.

• Consider attending a support group for sobriety such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
• Programs like Ray Recovery specialize in helping individuals manage alcohol use, rebuild cognitive strength, and regain a better quality of life.

Alcohol and Dementia: Can You Reverse Drinking’s Damage to Your Brain? Here’s an Expert Neurology Doctor’s Answer

It can be dangerous to stop alcohol abruptly, and it’s safer to go through alcohol detoxification under medical supervision. You should discuss your intentions with your healthcare provider, who can work with you to help plan your next steps toward recovery. Drinking alcohol in moderation had not been considered a cause of health problems or dementia. However, recent studies suggest that even moderate alcohol use can increase the likelihood of dementia. The first part of treatment for alcohol-related dementia aims to help you stop drinking alcohol.

What causes alcoholic dementia?

Excessive alcohol consumption poses a serious risk for the development of vascular dementia, due to its impact on blood vessel health, increased risk of stroke, and direct brain damage. Understanding this connection highlights the importance of moderation and healthy lifestyle choices in maintaining cognitive health. For those already affected, seeking professional help and adopting preventive measures can make a significant difference in managing risks and improving quality of life.

This notwithstanding, the study underscores the considerable negative impacts that alcohol has on brain health, and that consistent/chronic drinking can directly contribute to dementia. In some cases, alcohol-related dementia can improve or stabilize with early diagnosis, abstinence, proper nutritional support, and medical care. However, severe cases may result in permanent cognitive impairment. Unlike Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia is caused specifically by chronic alcohol abuse and may be partially reversible with early intervention, proper treatment, and sobriety.

• Remember, they’re not trying to get you in trouble or make you feel shame.
• Research considers alcohol neurotoxic, meaning it damages the brain.
• While the two conditions share some similarities, they have different causes.
• We receive a commission if you begin treatment with a fee-paying provider.

Even when it is not severe enough to cause symptoms of dementia, when you add the effects of heavy alcohol use, memory loss can be very serious. A vitamin B1 deficiency can also lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), a type of dementia linked to heavy alcohol use. This condition causes a decline in short-term memory in the early stages of the disease.

Moderate Drinking Vs. Heavy Drinking

Heavy drinkers were less likely to have hypertension and stroke — a result that may seem counterintuitive. But Justo and his team suggest this may be because heavy drinkers died 13 years can alcoholism cause dementia earlier on average than those who never drank. Hyaline arteriolosclerosis makes it harder for blood to flow, which can cause brain lesions.

• Without sufficient ATP, your liver loses its ability to oxidize fats properly, leading to fat accumulation and inflammation.
• When you stop drinking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, disorientation or seizures.
• For some people, alcohol can disrupt activity in an area of the brain called the amygdala, which is involved in mediating emotions.
• Although research shows improved cognitive functions, it’s not a full recovery or 100% reversible.
• They want to help you understand what’s causing the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Once the withdrawal process is complete, you will most likely be sent to a mental health specialist for additional assistance. Joining a support group during this phase of treatment might also be beneficial.When you stop drinking, your symptoms often cease getting worse and often become better. However, occasionally, your care team may prescribe the medications memantine or rivastigmine, which are common drugs for treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Noticeable shifts in personality, such as increased irritability, apathy, or aggression, can be red flags of alcohol-related brain damage. However, a person will likely need to take thiamine supplements and stop or significantly cut back on alcohol consumption for the best results. The life expectancy of someone with alcohol dementia depends on the individual. For instance, a study showed that a person hospitalized with the misuse of alcohol had an average life expectancy of 47–53 years (for men) and 50–58 years (for women).

If a person uses it heavily in the long term, they’re at risk for a number of memory-related health conditions. Treatments are available for people whose alcohol use affects their memory and overall functioning. According to research from 2021, thiamine supplementation marijuana addiction or intravenous (IV) thiamine can help alleviate symptoms of WKS, which is caused by a thiamine deficiency. In general, people who drink excess alcohol experience malnutrition, which can affect the brain.