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Alcohol use can lead to lasting changes in how your brain functions. There are many stages of alcoholic dementia, each with their own symptoms.
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 mild, with minor effects on your ability to recall memory, to severe, affecting your ability to perform tasks like eating and dressing yourself.
What Is Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Alcohol-related “dementia” is an umbrella term sometimes used to describe a decline in cognitive function caused by chronic alcohol misuse. Although not strictly classified as dementia in the same way as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia involves similar symptoms, including issues with memory, planning, and decision-making. In medical contexts, this condition may be referred to as Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) or include specific syndromes like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which results from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol use can damage brain cells, reduce essential nutrient absorption, and lead to structural changes in the brain. Over time, these changes can impair the brain’s ability to function normally, impacting everything from memory to muscle coordination.
What Causes Alcoholic Dementia?
Alcohol-related dementia ultimately describes any dementia-type illness that is caused by alcohol use. Alcohol can have a toxic effect on the brain, affecting normal function. Alcohol can also affect how vitamin B1, or thiamine, is absorbed. Thiamine is essential for brain health, and a thiamine deficiency can lead to permanent brain damage.
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Is Alcoholic Dementia Reversible?
Unlike many forms of dementia, alcohol-related dementia may be reversible depending on the circumstances. Only a doctor can determine if a specific case is reversible. Reversing alcohol-related dementia involves stopping alcohol use so that healing can occur.
Alcoholic Dementia Life Expectancy
Alcohol-related dementia is a broad term and can describe multiple conditions related to alcohol use that affects the brain. In most cases, determining the life expectancy of someone with alcohol-related dementia is also complicated by a history of heavy alcohol use, causing other alcohol-related problems that also shorten life expectancy.
While there are no specific life expectancy projections for alcohol-related dementia in general, a study shows that the life expectancy for someone with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is eight years for 50% of people who have this form of alcohol-related brain damage.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcoholic Dementia?
Symptoms of alcohol-related dementia are different for each person and depend on the type of alcohol-related dementia. These symptoms may include:
- Memory loss
- Problems learning new things
- Personality changes
- Decreased attentiveness
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired social skills
Alcohol-Related Dementia and Memory Problems
One of the most noticeable signs is memory impairment. People may struggle to recall recent events or learn new information, and they may repeatedly ask the same questions. Retrograde amnesia (difficulty recalling past events) can also occur, though it is often accompanied by confabulation, where a person unconsciously fills in memory gaps with fabricated or distorted information.
Alcohol-Related Dementia and Mood
Beyond physical and cognitive symptoms, many people with alcohol-related brain damage experience mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety. The loss of cognitive function itself can contribute to emotional distress, creating a cycle that may perpetuate alcohol misuse or make it harder to seek help.
Alcohol-Related Dementia and Balance
Long-term alcohol misuse can damage the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance. As a result, unsteady gait, frequent stumbling, and difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills are common. These mobility issues can increase the risk of falls and related injuries.
Early Stage Alcohol-Related Dementia
The early stages of any form of dementia tend to be subtle and difficult to notice. People are generally able to live independently during the early stages of dementia, but subtle memory problems, such as losing items frequently, may occur. People with early-stage dementia may also find it more difficult to make complex decisions and express themselves. They also may undergo personality and mood changes.
Mid Stage Alcohol-Related Dementia
During the middle stages of alcohol-related dementia, symptoms become more severe. People in this stage have more severe memory loss and find daily tasks to be more difficult. People may start to forget family members and close friends and may find it harder to communicate. They may also start to hear, see or believe things that are not true.
End Stage Alcohol-Related Dementia
During the later stages of dementia, symptoms are quite severe. People in this stage need help with tasks like eating and bathing. They may believe that they are at an earlier stage in their life. Behaviors can be unpredictable and uninhibited, and communication is difficult and could become impossible.
Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is a common form of alcohol-related dementia, caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, and occurs in two parts. The first part is called Wernicke’s encephalopathy and is reversible. It’s characterized by eye movement problems, discoordination and confusion. If Wernicke’s encephalopathy is not reversed, it leads to a more permanent condition called Korsakoff syndrome.
Korsakoff Syndrome Symptoms
Korsakoff syndrome causes memory loss that can be a form of alcohol-related dementia. Symptoms of Korsakoff syndrome include:
- Inability to make new memories
- Gaps in long-term memories
- Seeing or hearing things that are not there
- Making up memories to fill in memory gaps
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of someone with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome tends to be shorter than the average individual. This may be due to the condition itself, but it is also influenced by the fact that most people who develop this condition have used alcohol heavily, creating additional health problems. Studies show that about 50% of people with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome only live eight years after reaching this stage.
Alcohol and Alzheimer’s
There is some debate about whether alcohol use increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease at all, or whether it increases the chance that it will occur at an earlier age than it usually would. While this matter has not been fully settled, most experts agree that heavy drinkers have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Should Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia Drink Alcohol?
While there is still some debate on whether alcohol can cause Alzheimer’s disease, there is a clear consensus that those who already have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia should not drink alcohol. Alcohol causes cognitive impairment that can greatly increase the risk of injury with these conditions. Someone who is drinking may also forget how much alcohol they have consumed, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol could also speed disease progression.
Assessment and Diagnosis for Alcohol-Related Dementia
Diagnosing alcohol-related “dementia” typically involves a comprehensive assessment. A healthcare provider will review the person’s medical history, alcohol use history, and current symptoms. They may use cognitive screening tools, imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to look for brain changes, and blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies—especially thiamine, folate, and vitamin B12.
It is important to rule out other causes of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or other neurological conditions. Accurate diagnosis helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan and sets the stage for potential recovery.
Can You Recover From Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Encouragingly, some individuals can improve when alcohol-related brain damage is caught early and treated appropriately. Unlike many other forms of dementia, alcohol-related cognitive decline can sometimes be halted or partially reversed if a person stops drinking and addresses nutritional deficiencies. Consistent abstinence, combined with medical and nutritional support, can help the brain regain some lost functions or adapt in ways that reduce symptoms.
However, the potential for improvement varies from person to person. Factors such as age, overall health, the severity of cognitive decline, and how long the individual has been misusing alcohol all play a role in recovery outcomes.
Alcoholic Dementia Treatment
The cornerstone of treating alcohol-related dementia is complete abstinence from alcohol. Medical detoxification may be necessary if a person has developed a physical dependence on alcohol. During detox, healthcare professionals can manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce complications.
Nutritional support is also crucial, as deficiencies in vitamins (like thiamine) and minerals can exacerbate brain damage. Treatment plans often include vitamin supplementation, balanced meals, and ongoing monitoring of blood levels to ensure the body receives what it needs to heal. Cognitive rehabilitation, occupational therapy, counseling, and support groups can further help individuals relearn or maintain daily living skills and cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of recovery.
Support for Alcohol-Related Dementia
Living with or caring for someone experiencing alcohol-related brain damage can be challenging. Professional caregivers, therapists, and community support services can provide resources to manage daily tasks, maintain a structured routine, and improve quality of life. Family and friends may also benefit from counseling or support groups to cope with the emotional toll of a loved one’s condition.
It’s also critical for everyone involved to understand that recovery, while possible, may be slow or partial. Setting realistic goals and maintaining open communication with healthcare professionals can help manage expectations and ensure the best possible outcomes.
What Is Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation, in the context of alcohol-related dementia, refers to a structured treatment approach aimed at promoting abstinence, restoring cognitive function (as much as possible), and helping individuals regain independence. It often includes physical therapy for coordination issues, cognitive exercises for memory improvement, and psychological counseling to support emotional well-being.
Rehab programs may vary in their intensity, but they share a goal: to help people establish a healthier lifestyle, maintain sobriety, and develop coping strategies for long-term success.
How to Access Rehab
Accessing rehab typically starts with a consultation with a healthcare professional or an addiction specialist. They can provide referrals to reputable facilities, whether they are inpatient or outpatient programs. Insurance coverage and location may influence which options are available, so it’s essential to explore all potential resources. Organizations like The Recovery Village offer comprehensive programs tailored to individual needs, providing medical and therapeutic care designed to address both substance misuse and cognitive challenges.
How Long Does Rehab Take?
The length of rehab can vary widely depending on each individual’s progress and needs. Some programs last 30 days, while others may continue for 60 or 90 days or more. In the context of alcohol-related dementia, longer-term programs may be beneficial, as cognitive improvements and the establishment of healthy routines can take time. Ongoing aftercare, including therapy sessions, support groups, and regular medical check-ups, is often recommended to sustain progress.
No matter the duration, rehab can be an essential step toward regaining control over one’s life. With professional support, proper nutrition, and abstinence, many people experience significant improvements, offering hope for a more stable and fulfilling future.
Getting Help for Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
It can be difficult to stop using alcohol, even if it’s causing alcohol-related dementia signs to occur. Anyone with an alcohol use disorder should seek professional medical help to prevent further complications while working toward addiction recovery.
Alcohol addiction treatment options include outpatient and inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment involves going to regular physical and mental health appointments to get treatment and learn how to overcome alcohol addiction while otherwise keeping any work and social obligations. Inpatient treatment requires more dedication and involves living in a rehab center to get intensive treatment that is more likely to have a lasting effect.
The Recovery Village offers high-quality inpatient and outpatient treatment options across the country. We invite you to contact us to learn how to get started on your journey to lasting recovery from the effects of alcohol addiction.
