This article describes the causes of alcoholic dementia, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and coping. If you or a loved one begins to develop signs of alcoholic dementia, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Medical treatment and getting treated for alcohol addiction may help prevent the condition from getting worse.
How long does treatment take for alcohol-related ‘dementia’?
The prevalence rate estimates from post-mortem studies are 1% – 2% of the general population and 10% of alcohol consumers (31, 32). Netherlands had a prevalence of 48 per 100,000 (33), while incidence rates of 8 per 100,000 were estimated in Scotland in 1995 (34). A study of hospital admissions identified the Korsakoff syndrome (KS) and Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) cases to be 0.05% and 0.03% of all admissions, respectively (18). Read our tips for supporting a person with ARBD (alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff’s). There are some lifestyle behaviours with enough evidence to show that changing them will reduce your risk of dementia. A lifelong approach to good health is the best way to lower your risk of dementia.
Neuropathology and Neuro-Imaging Studies
Reports from neurology and memory clinics suggest lower rates of ARD in dementia cases, around 3% – 5%, indicating less referral to these centers (21, 22). Older studies have suggested that of all cases of dementia, ARD accounts to approximately 10% (23). In a review by Smith, heavy use of alcohol was a contributory factor in approximately 24% cases of dementia (24). N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) is a primary excitatory brain neurotransmitter that binds to the glutamate receptor usually found in nerve cells. Depolarization and activation of the nerve action potential are maintained by the influx of different types of ions (Na+ and Ca2+) into the cell through the NMDA receptors 58. It is believed that alcohol acts as an antagonist for the NMDA receptor, so in the case of AUD, it causes hypofunction of the NMDA receptor which may result in neuronal network impairment with loss of synaptic plasticity 60.
Clinical diagnoses
Cognitive behavioral technique (CBT) is an important component for rehabilitation. However, efficacy of CBT depends upon the relative integrity of certain brain regions particularly frontocerebellar and preserved cognition (80). Thus, CBT cannot be effectively employed where cognition is severely impaired particularly memory and executive function (81-83). Alcohol-induced brain injury may be attributed to a direct neurotoxic effect of alcohol, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, disruption of neurogenesis and mitochondrial damage (42). It is proposed that repeated binge drinking and withdrawal facilitates neuronal injury by glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, mediated by can alcoholism cause dementia upregulated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.
Does alcohol increase the risk of dementia?
Most people with alcohol-related ‘dementia’ will need to stay in hospital for this. Also, improving the patient’s diet can help; however, diet does not substitute for alcohol abstinence in preventing alcohol-related dementia from worsening. In summary, neuropsychological profiles differ between people with healthy aging, AUD, WKS, Alzheimer’s disease, and other subtypes of dementias. Although AUD, WKS, and Alzheimer’s disease all affect memory processes, the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on mnemonic functions are greater than those observed in AUD and WKS.
- While they do naturally shrink as we get older, the brains of people who drink heavily for long periods shrink at a much faster rate.
- Approximately 20% of KS patients may require long-term institutionalized care.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of thiamine in the gut, creating a deficiency, which is a problem because nerve cells require thiamine to function properly.
- By removing the causative factor, the progression of alcohol-related dementia can be stopped.
Korsakoff Syndrome Symptoms
The study defined moderate drinking as consuming 1–13 standard drinks per week, equivalent to 10–130 grams (g) per week. If the person is still addicted to alcohol, treatment for the addiction is the first step, and many forms of help are available. Most prospective cohort studies have follow-up periods of two to three years (see Table 2). Due to the adverse effects on other organ systems22 and higher mortality of alcohol-consuming individuals, these subjects may decease in-between intervals (attrition bias). It can be difficult to stop using alcohol, even if it’s causing alcohol-related dementia signs to occur.
Some people with ARBD will only have small changes to their thinking and memory, known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). On the other hand, there is no rationale either, to recommend cutting down on alcohol consumption to reduce dementia risk if consumption is moderate (disregarding other risks of alcohol consumption). Lifestyle modification is also one of the most promising initiatives to reduce alcohol or age-related neurodegeneration as well as possible intervention strategies to control chronic disease or prevent the onset of dementia. Several lifestyle factors like aerobic and anaerobic exercise, an antioxidant-rich diet, limited alcohol consumption, neuropsychological therapy, and cognitive training have been demonstrated to improve cognitive function or postpone disease progression in AUD 141,142. The association between lifestyle modification and neurodegeneration in AUD is outlined in Table 2. Currently, only five FDA-approved drugs are available to diminish the progression of neurodegenerative conditions.
Supporting a person with alcohol-related brain damage
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- The longer the period of abstinence, the greater the chance of sustaining a healthy recovery of hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons, mammillary bodies, and return of executive functions including learning, memory, and other forms of cognition 75,113.
- Alcohol-related dementia with changes in mental status, memory loss, and personality may be the consequence of longstanding alcohol consumption.
- This was supported by a recent SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) study that reported reduced regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal cortices, basal ganglia, and thalami of patients with ARD 42.
- If you or a loved one is living with alcoholic dementia, it can be extremely difficult to cope with—personally and for the family.
This is a common deficiency in people who misuse =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ alcohol, but it can also occur due to other disorders or conditions. A professional who has experience of supporting people with alcohol-related ‘dementia’ should be involved in the person’s care. The type of support they get will depend on the person’s individual situation and what they need.
Moderate drinking and AD
With the right treatment and support, there is often a good chance that it will stop getting worse or improve. Prevention is the key to reducing the risk of any major Sober living house health problems and psychosocial consequences of heavy drinking. If you have difficulty controlling your alcohol use and want help, there are many treatment options and resources to help you through your journey toward sobriety and wellness. Excessive drinking over a period of years may lead to a condition commonly known as alcoholic dementia, or alcohol-related dementia (ARD).