Alcohol-related brain damage ARBD: what is it and who gets it?

This brain damage can be directly on brain cells, or damage that alcohol causes indirectly by affecting the absorption of vitamins that the brain needs. Heavy alcohol users can develop alcohol-related dementia, a condition where alcohol use causes dementia. Dementia is a progressive memory loss that can range from can alcoholism cause dementia mild, with minor effects on your ability to recall memory, to severe, affecting your ability to perform tasks like eating and dressing yourself. Firstly, the person is likely to need support to help them stop drinking alcohol. They may be given  special prescription drugs to reduce their craving for alcohol.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Excessive alcohol consumption over a lengthy time period can lead to brain damage, and may increase your risk of developing dementia.

Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome

From the Summer 2016 edition of Care and cure magazine, research shows that, for people with the APOE4 gene, keeping your brain busy may delay some of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, medications that are indicated for treating dementia, such as Namenda (memantine), may be prescribed, but the benefits are not established for alcoholic dementia. Many studies support the strong link between alcohol use and Alzheimer’s disease. A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing any of these symptoms to receive a prompt diagnosis.

Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if you abruptly stop drinking after consuming large amounts of alcohol for a long time. Lewy body dementia is another progressive type of dementia that causes an accumulation of proteins called Lewy bodies in various brain areas. These areas are responsible for movement, emotions, behavior, memory, and cognition. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and stopping the use of alcohol, generally help. However, the outlook is often guarded, and a person may never fully recover from the condition.

What are the symptoms of alcohol-related dementia?

This can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which begins with Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a swelling of the brain. If left untreated, Wernicke’s encephalophathy leads to Korsakoff syndrome, which results in symptoms similar to those of dementia [3][6]. Similarly, the risk of stroke and accidental head injury is increased in these groups, which can also lead to dementia [5]. For a clear https://ecosoberhouse.com/ diagnosis, the person needs to have these symptoms even when they have stopped drinking and are not suffering from the effects of alcohol withdrawal. The doctor will also need to make sure that these symptoms don’t indicate another type of dementia, such as  Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a type of dementia linked to heavy alcohol use.

• This excessive consumption puts a person at risk of various brain diseases, including AD, stroke, and heart disease.
• Researchers have connected changes in the brain to certain forms of dementia and are investigating why these changes happen in some people but not others.
• A 2020 study showed that moderate alcohol intake could lower a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Other people with ARBD will have more serious problems with their memory and thinking.
• They might not be able to understand new information –  for example, they may quickly forget the details of a conversation.
• You could potentially experience any combination of these effects when withdrawing from alcohol.

She took her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology at Angeles University Foundation and graduated with flying colors. The combination of having a good medical background, being a mom, and wanting to help people, especially the elderly has cultivated her passion for working in remote areas with love and compassion. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Alcohol Consumption with Dementia

Excessive, prolonged consumption can cause a vitamin deficiency, which can cause parts of the brain to deteriorate. Even with treatment, some symptoms, such as gait changes, confabulation, or memory loss, may not improve. A thiamine deficiency over a long period of time can cause brain atrophy or damage. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can occur due to other conditions, but misuse of alcohol is a common underlying factor for its development due to long-term vitamin deficiency.

If Wernicke’s is not adequately treated, it may result in Korsakoff syndrome, or Korsakoff psychosis, which involves significant impairments of memory and other cognitive functions. The most distinguishing symptom is confabulation (fabrication) where the person makes up detailed, believable stories about experiences or situations to cover gaps in memory. All of the information gathered during the diagnostic process will also help them rule out other types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. The brains of participants who were drinking three units of alcohol a day over the previous month had reductions in both white and gray matter, making their brains appear three and a half years older. For reference, one unit is considered a half pint of beer or a small glass of wine. However, women who have ARBD tend to get it at a younger age than men, and after fewer years of alcohol misuse.