What is Alcoholic Dementia?
Damage to the brain and memory can be caused by heavy drinking over time. Dementia can be brought on by chronic excessive drinking, known as alcoholism. In addition to forgetting things, people with this disorder have trouble creating new memories. The precise origins of alcoholic dementia remain unknown to specialists. Thiamine (vitamin B1) insufficiency, however, is suspected by many. Thiamine deficiency is more common in people suffering from alcohol addiction. This is because vitamin B12 metabolism is impeded by excessive alcohol abuse.
It is unclear what threshold of alcohol consumption triggers alcoholic dementia. According to some studies, the daily use of 5-6 alcoholic beverages may lead to certain cognitive difficulties. You may have more serious consequences if you drink ten or more drinks daily.
Who Is at Risk of Suffering from Alcoholic Dementia
If you drink sometimes or in moderation, you don’t have to worry about developing alcoholic dementia. According to a review of the research published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, light to moderate alcohol use (one to three drinks per day) lowers the risk of developing dementia.
According to the CDC, while African Americans, Hispanics, and women are more likely to encounter dementia in general, males are more likely to acquire alcohol dementia. People over 40 are more likely to develop alcoholic dementia, and the risk rises with continued heavy drinking. According to studies, the likelihood of acquiring alcohol-related dementia rises with each additional week of drinking, up to a maximum of 28 drinks per week for women and 35 for men.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholic Dementia
The signs and symptoms of alcoholic dementia vary from person to person and from one form of dementia to another. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Issues with learning and remembering
- Negative effects on one’s personality, judgment, focus, and social abilities.
The Two Forms of Alcohol-Related Dementia
There are two main forms of alcoholic dementia, i.e, Korsakoff’s syndrome and Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Korsakoff’s syndrome causes harm to the neural pathways that supply the spinal cord and brain, as well as the region of the brain that regulates memory. According to NINDS, alcoholism is a contributing factor that leads to a lack of vitamin B1.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy affects both the thalamus and hypothalamus, the two lower brain regions important for memory and emotion regulation.
Korsakoff’s and Wernicke’s are caused by a lack of vitamin B1 and share many symptoms. The NINDS reports that some researchers view these symptoms as distinct manifestations of the same condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Are You Looking for Help in Dealing with an Alcohol Addiction Problem?
Although alcohol use is a known risk factor for developing dementia, it might be challenging to quit drinking. Anyone struggling with alcoholism should seek professional medical help.
In addition to inpatient care, outpatient services are available for those battling alcoholism. Attending frequent outpatient counseling and medical sessions will help you overcome your alcoholism while allowing you to maintain your normal life and responsibilities. Inpatient therapy entails staying at a rehabilitation facility for an extended period to get intensive care, which is more likely to result in long-term sobriety.
Across Houston, Texas, Taylor Recovery Center offers access to excellent inpatient and outpatient facilities. Please contact us if you want more information on how to begin your path to sobriety from alcoholism.