Alcohol Induced Dementia Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, & Alcohol Dementia Treatment

Dementia from Alcoholism Causes & Risk Factors

Can alcoholism cause dementia? Yes. Below are the risk factors contributing to the development of alcoholic dementia signs and symptoms:

• Chronic and Excessive Alcohol Consumption.
  • The risk increases with prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption, typically defined as consuming more than the recommended limits over an extended period. The NIAAA describes heavy alcohol use as more than 4 drinks for males and more than 3 drinks daily for women.
• Duration of Alcohol Abuse.
  • Individuals consuming alcohol excessively for many years are at a higher risk.
• Alcohol Dependency and Alcohol Use Disorder.
  • Alcohol dependency significantly increases the risk of developing alcoholic dementia. Those who struggle with alcoholism are likelier to experience cognitive impairments and brain damage associated with alcohol abuse.
• Genetic Factors.
  • Genetic predisposition can influence an individual’s susceptibility to alcohol-related cognitive decline. Some individuals may have genetic variations that make them more prone to the damaging effects of alcohol on the brain.
• Nutritional Deficiencies.
  • Chronic alcohol drinking can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins such as thiamine (B1).
• Co-occurring Health Conditions.
  • Certain co-occurring health conditions, such as liver disease, pancreatitis, or malnutrition, can increase the risk of alcoholic dementia. These conditions often coexist with alcohol abuse.
• Age and Gender.
  • Older individuals and men are generally at a higher risk of developing alcoholic dementia. However, alcohol abuse can affect people of any age or gender.

Abstinence from alcohol all cause dementia is crucial. Seeking help for alcohol abuse, reducing alcohol consumption, and addressing co-occurring health conditions are essential in mitigating the risk of developing alcoholic dementia.

Dementia and Alcoholism Effects on the Brain

Dementia and alcoholism can both have detrimental effects on the brain. Dementia leads to neurodegeneration, the formation of plaques and tangles, brain shrinkage, and neurotransmitter imbalances, resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. Alcoholism causes direct toxic effects on the brain, leading to neuronal damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Abstinence from alcohol dementia can benefit brain health and potentially slow the progression of alcohol-related cognitive impairments. If you need help with alcohol abstinence dementia, seeking support from an alcohol addiction treatment center is significant as they have experience and proper training for this condition.

Learn More:

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• Alcoholic Wet Brain Symptoms, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome/Wet Brain Syndrome Meaning, Stages, Effects & Treatment.
• Alcoholic Organic Brain Syndrome Symptoms & Treatment
• Symptoms & Signs Of A High Functioning Alcoholic
• How to Help a High Functioning Alcoholic?
• How to Help an Alcoholic? Alcoholic Recovery Tips & Support
• Alcoholic Cirrhosis Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment
• Alcohol Detox Timeline & How To Safely Manage Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Treatment

Alcoholic Dementia Symptoms

The broader category of alcohol induced dementia includes Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a type of dementia characterized by poor planning, judgment, and thinking. Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome may present as someone asking repetitious questions or telling the same stories with no recollection of the questions being asked and answered. In conversation, someone may repeat the same information 20 times, remaining unaware that they are repeating the same thing in a stereotyped expression.

Physical Alcohol Dementia Symptoms

When people drink too much alcohol over many years, they may experience alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), sometimes called alcohol induced dementia. This brain damage condition is associated with physical symptoms including the following:

• Muscle weakness and atrophy.
• Problems with a walk (gait) and coordination.
• Decreased or abnormal reflexes.
• Fast pulse (heart rate).
• Low blood pressure.
• Abnormal eye movement.
• Low body temperature.

10%

Research estimates suggest that alcohol-related dementia accounts for approximately 10% of all cases of dementia.

Source: NCBI

8%

Sustained heavy alcohol drinkers had an 8% increased risk of developing dementia related to alcohol.

Source: NCBI

• Gathering Information About the Patient’s Medical History.
  • A healthcare professional will gather information about the individual’s medical history, including alcohol use, duration and intensity of alcohol abuse, and any previous treatment for alcoholism.
• Physical Examination.
  • A physical examination may be conducted to assess overall health, detect any signs of alcohol-related complications, and rule out other potential causes of cognitive impairment.

• Cognitive Assessment.
  • Various cognitive tests and assessments, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), can be administered to evaluate cognitive function, memory, attention, language, and other mental abilities. Discrepancies between cognitive impairment and overall intelligence or prior cognitive abilities may suggest alcohol-related dementia.
• Imaging Studies.
  • Brain imaging tests, including (MRI) magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be performed to assess the brain’s structure and detect any signs of brain damage or abnormalities.
• Laboratory Tests.
  • Blood tests may be conducted to assess liver function, nutritional deficiencies (e.g., thiamine or vitamin B1 deficiency) and screen for other possible causes of cognitive impairment.
• Assessment of Alcohol Use Disorder.
  • An evaluation of alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be carried out using standardized diagnostic criteria, such as those outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This evaluation helps establish a clear link between alcohol abuse and cognitive impairment.
• Differential Diagnosis.
  • It is crucial to differentiate alcohol-related dementia from other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, as the treatment and management approaches may differ. Comprehensive assessment and evaluation help rule out other potential causes and confirm alcohol-related dementia.

Dementia Caused By Alcoholism Treatment

For all alcohol-related brain damage and alcohol-induced dementia cases, avoiding alcohol intake is a cornerstone of treatment and recovery. Getting into treatment that includes a medically-assisted detox is essential to alleviate withdrawal symptoms once you discontinue alcohol intake. These can include sweating, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, delirium, hallucinations, and seizures.

Your loved one will then also need treatment and support to stay away from alcohol which may include a stay in an addiction treatment rehabilitation facility, medications to reduce cravings for alcohol, and participation in self-help groups. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about treatment options and resources.

Treating alcoholism involves a multidimensional approach, including medical interventions, counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapies. This comprehensive treatment approach can address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of alcohol addiction, which can positively affect overall well-being, including cognitive function.

Contact We Level Up treatment center for treatment resources and referrals if you don’t know where to start. You can call us for a free alcoholism symptoms assessment. Each call is private and confidential.