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What is Alcohol Dementia?

Alcohol has a direct effect on brains cells which can cause problems with memory, learning and other cognitive skills.

Excessive drinking over a period of years may lead to a condition known as Alcohol Dementia.

Alcohol Dementia is also sometimes known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, which is really two disorders that may occur independently or together.

Wernicke's disease involves damage to multiple nerves in both the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (the rest of the body). It may also include symptoms caused by alcohol withdrawal.

Korsakoff syndrome involves impairment of memory and cognitive skills, along with nerve damage. The most common symptom is the fabrication of stories – a person may make up detailed, believable stories to mask memory loss.

Who is at Risk for Alcohol Dementia?

Anyone who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol, over an extended period of time, is at risk of Alcohol Dementia. Those with the greatest risk of alcohol dementia include men who drink more than six alcoholic beverages a day and women who drink more than four drinks.

What Causes Alcohol Dementia?

The dementia which occurs from excessive alcohol consumption can often be attributed to malnutrition, particularly from a lack of vitamin B-1 which commonly is caused by ongoing alcohol abuse. It is known that key parts of the brain can be adversely affected by vitamin deficiency. Liver damage that sometimes accompanies alcohol abuse can also adversely affect the brain, leading to Alcohol Dementia.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Dementia?

Following are common signs of Alcohol Dementia:

• Disorientation – problems recognizing familiar people, getting lost, loosing track of the time or day of the week

• Inability to problem solve – trouble completing familiar tasks or making decisions

• Personality changes – frustration, insensitivity, mood swings

• Communication difficulties – repeating questions, inability to “find the right word”

What to do If You Suspect Alcohol Dementia

Consult your physician if you have suspicions that you or a loved one are experiencing any of the signs of Alcohol Dementia.

If the symptoms of alcohol dementia are discovered early, the effects may be reversed if the person immediately stops drinking and embarks on a healthy diet and lifestyle.

When visiting the doctor bring a list of the symptoms you have noticed; a list of current medications; and a description of current and past medical problems. Effective and open communication with your loved one’s physician is essential when seeking a diagnosis of Alcohol Dementia.

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