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Most individuals who drink alcohol are aware that there can be long-term health implications to chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. But, one condition that is linked to alcohol that people are less aware of is alcohol-related dementia.

This article explores that link, providing insights into the causes, symptoms, whether it’s reversible and possible treatment options for alcohol-related dementia.

 

Associated with older adults, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe when a person develops an impairment in their cognitive function.

What this means is that there’s often a difficulty with all aspects of day-to-day life and experience symptoms such as memory loss, the ability to speak, personality changes, mobility issues and changes to their thought patterns.

Although there are many different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, they are all progressive diseases. This means that although symptoms may be mild, to begin with, they will progress to be more severe as time goes on. This could be within weeks, months or, in some cases, years.

Alcohol-related dementia (ARD), also commonly referred to as alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), is simply a form of this disease, but it’s directly caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol for an extended period of time.

 

Several direct and indirect effects of long-term, excessive alcohol consumption have the potential to cause alcohol-related dementia (ARD). These include (but are not limited to):

  • Alcohol can cause neurotoxicity. Chronic, heavy drinking or binge drinking can lead to the death of brain cells and a reduction in brain mass, which can lead to developing ARD.
  • Alcohol alters our levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate. This can impact our cognitive functions.
  • Genetic factors can play a role in developing ARD. Research suggests that a family history of alcoholism has the potential to be a risk of alcohol-related cognitive disorders.
  • As alcohol increases our risk of accidents and head trauma, this in itself has the potential to lead to cognitive impairments such as ARD.
  • Conditions such as depression and anxiety, which are commonly known to co-occur in individuals with alcohol use disorders, can contribute to cognitive decline.
  • A deficiency in vitamin B1 (thiamine). Thiamine deficiency can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is a severe brain disorder associated with chronic alcohol misuse, leading to ARD.
  • Alcohol can cause disruptions in the cardiovascular system, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain, which can impair cognitive functions and increase the chances of developing this disease.

 

Alcohol-related dementia and alcohol-related brain damage are related and mistaken for the same condition. However, they are distinct concepts.

As we mentioned earlier, ARD typically refers to cognitive impairments resulting from long-term alcohol abuse. It can present itself through a range of symptoms, and the onset of symptoms is usually gradual.

Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is a broader term that covers all types of alcohol-related brain injury caused by alcohol abuse.

ARBD includes conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a severe brain disorder involving damage to brain cells, memory loss and nerve damage), hepatic encephalopathy (brain damage caused by liver disease), and cerebellar atrophy (shrinkage of part of the brain). ARBD can lead to a wide range of symptoms that are similar to ARD, including poor mental health, memory loss and impaired cognitive function.

So, while ARD is, in fact, a form of alcohol-related brain damage, ARBD covers a wider spectrum of brain injuries and disorders caused by alcohol, including (but not limited to) dementia.

 

Although this progressive disease is commonly associated with elderly adults, alcohol-related dementia can develop particularly early. This is known as young onset dementia, and it usually occurs around the ages of 40 to 50, but it’s possible for it to develop at an even younger age.

 

There are several symptoms associated with ARD. These symptoms will typically develop gradually rather than all at once, and the speed of progression can vary depending on factors such as the amount and duration of alcohol abuse.

Common signs and symptoms of alcohol-related dementia can include:

  • Memory problems. Alcohol-related dementia often affects memory, including difficulties with short-term and long-term memory. They may have trouble remembering recent events, who their loved ones are, conversations, or even basic information.
  • Confusion and disorientation. Individuals with this condition may become easily confused, disoriented, and have difficulty recognising familiar places or people.
  • Personality changes. This can look like developing “out of character” traits, such as increased irritability, apathy, mood swings, or emotional instability.
  • Problems with decision-making and Impaired judgment. ARD can lead to poor judgment and decision-making abilities. People may make impulsive choices, have difficulty planning, and struggle with problem-solving.
  • Difficulty with reasoning and abstract thinking. The ability to understand complex concepts and ideas becomes increasingly more challenging as time goes on. Alcohol-related dementia can impair this cognitive function, making it challenging to grasp abstract concepts.
  • Problems with motor skills. Alcohol-related dementia can affect motor skills, leading to impaired ability with coordination and balance.
  • Communicating becomes difficult. This may involve trouble finding the right words, expressing thoughts coherently, and understanding spoken or written language.

 

If alcohol-related dementia is detected early, it may be possible to reverse it if the consumption of alcohol is completely stopped. Along with abstaining from alcohol, significant lifestyle changes will also need to be implemented.

If the disease is not detected early and has developed, symptoms can be managed for some time, but the disease cannot be reversed. However, ARD can be prevented.

 

It’s important to note that alcohol-related dementia is a preventable condition, and reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risk. Early intervention and treatment for alcohol dependency, along with proper nutrition and healthcare, can also help in mitigating the effects of alcohol intake on ARD.

Adopting lifestyle changes to improve overall health is also strongly encouraged. This may involve working on nutrition and diet, taking vitamin supplements, and engaging in regular physical activity. Additionally, not engaging in any other unhealthy habits that may have formed (such as smoking) is recommended.

 

What to Do if You’re Worried About Your Alcohol Consumption

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of ARD, it’s essential to seek support from medical professionals. They will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and guidance on treatment and management. This often includes abstaining entirely from alcohol and rehabilitation programmes.

If you’re worried about your own health and feel as though you’re drinking too much alcohol, it’s important to understand that there are options out there that can help you manage alcohol consumption.

For help and advice, please speak to us today. We specialise in alcohol addiction treatment and have helped many achieve lasting recovery. Call us today on 01475 303998 or fill in our enquiry form at a time that suits you.

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John Gillen - Director & Author at Nova Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: November 24, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.

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