Alcoholism is considered one of the potential risk factors for dementia, which is now becoming a major health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately fifty-five million people are affected by dementia and ten million new cases are reported yearly.
The risks of combining alcoholism with dementia are real, and this article will discuss these risks, emphasising the need to recognise the connection between both conditions and their effects on the patient.
What is Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Alcohol-related dementia (ARD) is a condition that develops due to chronic alcoholism, which is characterised by the deterioration of memory and other cognitive functions such as problem-solving, language, learning and memory.
ARD has been reported to be one of the most common types of dementia. The clinical profile of these patients is different from those with other types of dementia since ARD presents with more functional and less cognitively impaired patients. It more likely affects younger, unmarried and socially isolated male individuals, and abstinence may partially reverse the overall effects on both the brain and body.
Moreover, ARD also presents differently than Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) (also known as wet brain) in that cognitive impairment in ARD is more pronounced. At the same time, memory is relatively impaired only in WKS. In addition to this, WKS is a condition resulting from vitamin B1 deficiency and is easily reversible with supplementation if caught early.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol-Related Dementia?
ARD results in cognitive impairments that are associated with prolonged alcohol use disorder (AUD). The symptoms are generalised and include significant memory problems, including the inability to create new memories and recall recent events and difficulties in problem-solving, reasoning and decision-making.
Some of the symptoms that may be present include difficulties with language and communication, mood and emotional instability, and motor coordination. This makes it difficult to become oriented regarding time and place; some may develop visual defects or delusions.
How is Alcohol-Related Dementia Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosis involves clinical judgement and includes neuropsychological testing and imaging studies. Healthcare professionals specialising in mental health follow diagnostic criteria to diagnose alcohol-related dementia. These include significant alcohol dependence or abuse, cognitive impairment that appears within three years of the cessation of heavy drinking, and exclusion of other dementia-like conditions. Treatment is aimed at cessation of alcohol consumption, supplementation with vitamins and other nutrients and cognitive rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the affectation on brain functions, the doctor will develop a treatment plan geared towards preserving cognitive function and reversing the progression of the disease. The ultimate goal is to stop the patient from drinking alcohol and ultimately refrain from ingesting the substance in the future.
Can You Get Better From Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Alcohol and dementia are interrelated and have long-term consequences. However, when alcoholic dementia is detected early and the patient stops drinking alcohol, it is shown that the effects may be reversible. Abstinence has been known to partially restore cognitive function and brain volume after some period, though some deficits, such as short-term memory, may remain unaltered.
What Are the Long-Term Complications of Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Complications include progressive brain damage, the likelihood of having a stroke and even the worsening of other diseases that are associated with drinking alcohol. If the person keeps on drinking too much alcohol, then there will be irreversible damage to the brain and, consequently, vital brain functions.
Alcohol Intake and the Risk of Dementia
Alcohol misuse and abuse have been a major public health concern for many years concerning the effects it has on one’s health, especially dementia. The current literature on alcohol consumption and the risk of dementia has been a subject of interest, with recent studies providing contradictory results as to the safety of moderate drinking. This is important as it sheds light on the current recommendations made by health experts on alcohol consumption as well as the decisions of individuals on whether or not to consume alcohol.
Does Drinking Alcohol Increase the Risk of Developing Dementia?
New findings have revealed that alcohol use disorder is associated with an enhanced likelihood of developing dementia with no level of intake considered safe. A study published in 2024 directly connected alcohol consumption of any amount with an increased risk of dementia, which was contrary to previous studies that suggested that moderate drinking could be protective. The study, which involved 313,000 participants from the UK Biobank, revealed that there was a direct association between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of dementia, including at low doses.
High-risk drinking, which is defined as consuming more than 24 grams of pure alcohol daily (equivalent to two pints of beer), was also found to be a major cause of dementia. Some earlier research had pointed at ‘moderate drinking’ as having a protective effect against dementia as compared to total abstinence, however, this was found to be due to other factors such as “abstinence bias” which is underestimating data from participants relating to abstinence such as stopping drinking due to poor health. Current research shows that alcohol is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, emphasising the need for caution in its consumption.
How Heavy Drinking Can Damage the Brain
Drinking has a severe negative impact on the brain, which results in various cognitive and physical disabilities. When alcohol is ingested into the system, it causes interference with the substances in the brain that mediate brain function as well as other key areas of the brain that are in charge of memory, balance and judgement.
Alcohol abuse over time causes the death of neurons and loss of brain mass. This neurotoxicity can cause persistent cognitive problems, including problems with learning, memory and executive functions. The hippocampus, part of the brain responsible for memory formation, is especially sensitive; imagine it as the brain’s filing cabinet, which sorts and stores memory. Alcohol-related blackouts occur when alcohol interferes with the ability of the brain to create short-term memory and transfer it to long-term memory.
AUD can, therefore, lead to ARBD, which presents as difficulties in thinking and physical coordination. Another consequence of long-term heavy drinking is the development of nutritional deficiencies that may worsen cognitive problems. The likelihood of developing severe brain injury also depends on the duration of heavy drinking or the frequency of binge drinking. They may differ in location and can include such symptoms as intellectual disability, confusion, difficulty speaking and problems with balance.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia
It is, therefore, important to adopt several measures to minimise the risk of dementia with lifestyle changes. There is sufficient evidence that suggests that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline and is highly beneficial for the overall well-being of the brain. It is recommended that people should at least engage in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week to be healthy both in the heart and the brain. Also, it is essential to control other medical risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, because these conditions have been associated with dementia. Another important factor that can help enhance cognitive health is consuming a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fats ( from vegetable oils, poultry, and fish) and the Mediterranean diet.
Social engagement and mental stimulation also play vital roles in reducing dementia risk. Being among people and keeping the mind active through activities that involve solving complex puzzles and learning new things or hobbies can help develop cognitive reserve and reduce the likelihood of dementia. In addition, identifying and managing disorders of the mood, for example, depression, helps in reducing risks that are linked with cognitive decline.
Most importantly, avoiding alcohol consumption and not using tobacco products are also considered preventive measures, as high intake of alcohol has been associated with an increased likelihood of dementia. By integrating the measures mentioned earlier, you can prevent yourself from being at risk of having dementia.
How Much Alcohol is Safe to Drink?
Several health guidelines serve as a guide for consumers on how much alcohol is safe to consume based on research findings. In the UK, the NHS has recommended that both men and women not exceed 14 units of alcohol per week, which is approximately 6 pints of beer or 6 medium-sized glasses of wine. This guideline also calls for consumption to be done per week and with at least two consecutive days of abstinence to reduce the risks of having health problems associated with drinking. Children and young people who are under 18 years of age and those who are pregnant should not drink alcohol.
Moreover, even for healthy adults, it is important to recognise that no level of consumption is entirely safe for your health, as the WHO emphasises. Therefore, even if guidelines are in place for drinking alcohol, it is still best to avoid alcohol completely, especially for those who have a previous history of AUD.
Tips for Cutting Down on Alcohol Consumption
To decrease the amount of alcohol consumed, you can decide on certain objectives. For example, you can decide to reduce the quantity of alcohol taken or even take days of abstinence from alcohol. Some of the steps that can be taken include monitoring the intake, opting for low-alcohol drinks and switching between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Other measures include avoiding activities that involve drinking, for example, watching football or being at a party, and participating in physical activities or hobbies that do not require drinking.
Help is Available
There is help for those who are struggling with their alcohol use. If you or a loved one needs help, remember that local health services have support groups and counselling for those with alcohol use problems. Also, there are health awareness campaigns frequently made to inform the public about the effects of alcohol consumption and the need to embrace other healthier options. Therefore, by utilising the existing resources and implementing some practical measures, you can make a significant difference in the efforts to decrease your alcohol consumption and improve your overall well-being.
Additionally, here at Sierra Recovery, we can help you with your recovery towards achieving the best version of yourself. Our health experts will ensure that you receive the best care you deserve. Contact us now and kickstart your journey towards sobriety!
