The death of certain brain cells is what leads to Alzheimer’s type of dementia and ARBD both, so the various conditions lead to very similar results. Despite the relatively small number of alcohol-related dementia cases (Figure 3), alcohol is likely can alcoholism cause dementia a factor in hundreds of thousands of other dementia cases. For example, alcohol-induced changes in cerebral blood flow and vessel integrity may drive vascular dementia, and alcohol’s effects on amyloidosis and clearance mechanisms may drive Alzheimer’s disease (Xu et al., 2017). However, alcohol can have a more direct effect in frontotemporal dementia, as alcohol-induced neurodegeneration is often localized to the prefrontal cortex.
Factors that increase the risk of developing alcohol-related dementia
Drinking can affect more than just your mood or memory in the moment, it may be contributing to long-term cognitive decline, especially if it’s become a regular part of your life. Whether you’re dealing with memory issues, worried about dementia, or just trying to protect your brain health, cutting back on alcohol can be a powerful step in the right direction. Simply put, excessive drinking over a long period of time causes Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and other forms of alcoholic dementia. Strictly speaking, years of excessive drinking causes a brain condition known as ‘Alcohol-Related Brain Damage,’ or ARBD. ARBD includes brain disorders like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome and Alcoholic Dementia that mimic the symptoms of the familiar aging disease, but there are also key differences.
- The person is often required to stay in the hospital for a period of time to detox from the alcohol and get through the withdrawal.
- They may regain much of their memory and thinking skills, and their ability to do things independently.
- The threshold varies among individuals, influenced by factors like genetics, overall health, and drinking habits.
- The cornerstone of treating alcohol-related dementia is complete abstinence from alcohol.
Niemann-Pick Disease
However, a person will likely need to take thiamine supplements and stop or significantly cut back on alcohol consumption for the best results. In cases where they suspect Korsakoff syndrome, a doctor will likely recommend long-term use of thiamine, possibly combined with other vitamins and magnesium. Korsakoff syndrome causes confabulation, memory loss, and gait abnormalities. These often occur if treatment for Wernicke heroin addiction encephalopathy does not work. It helps individuals, families and communities to manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
Risk factors for contracting alcoholic dementia
It’s also important to remember that not all issues related to alcohol-related dementia can be reversed. Even if some of the ailments can’t be reversed, getting treatment can helo so they do not continue to get worse. Treatment will also help teach you how to live without the need for drugs and alcohol anymore. This can be done at a local medical facility, a dedicated detox center, or a treatment facility that also provides detox services such as Harmony Place. Attempting to self-detox can be incredibly dangerous and even life-threatening.
Deja una respuesta