Exploring the Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Dementia

Is There a Connection Between Alcohol Abuse and Dementia?

Exploring the Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Dementia

Alcohol disproportionately affects women in comparison to men. Differences in body fat, hormones, and the height and weight ratio between men and women are responsible for ARBD being more problematic for women. Men, however are diagnosed with ARBD far more often. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “78 percent of individuals with diagnosed alcoholism demonstrate some degree of pathology.” ARBD is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in the sense that both affect memory.

Alzheimer’s disease is not caused by ARBD, but they act similarly in reducing brain function. Alcohol abuse and dementia are associated with alcoholism. Binge drinking and alcohol abuse triples the risk of dementia in later years. According to a study published in the Lancet, drinkers who have passed out twice in one year up the odds to ten times the risk of developing dementia. When an individual has other factors for dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol consumption can increase the severity and possibly the onset of symptoms. Better Addiction Care connects individuals with alcohol abuse issues to the best facilities for helping them. Call (800) 429-7690 and discuss your situation with an inpatient rehab specialist at BAC today.

Link Between Alcohol and Dementia

The link between alcohol and dementia is real, and heavy alcohol consumption and binge drinking can have an immediate impact on the brain as well as long-term adverse effects. Heavy drinkers, male and female, are causing an acceleration of brain shrinkage.

• Memory Loss – Mild cognitive impairment refers to memory loss that may be greater than normal age-related forgetfulness. It affects short-term memory greater than long-term.
• Declining Motor Function – Problems with motor functions and coordination occur as dementia increases and routine physical abilities decrease.
• Disorientation – Getting lost when going to a location a person has visited many times, such as a doctor’s office, post office, or friend’s house is an early sign of dementia.
• Changes in Behavior – A person who was always pleasant may become cranky and irritable for no apparent reason. Inappropriate behavior in social settings are another early sign of alcohol related dementia.
• Paranoia – Early signs of alcohol related dementia include paranoia. He or she becomes suspicious of family, friends, or fellow employees at work.

Brain Damage From Alcohol

When people drink too much they have trouble walking, experience blurred vision, have slurred speech, have memory issues, and their reaction times are slowed. The effect alcohol has on the brain is evident after only one or two drinks. Brain damage from alcohol is far more common than realized. When alcohol is abused time and time again, brain deficits may continue even after the person has sobered. Heavy drinkers risk long-term and extensive damage to the brain from simple memory lapses to serious debilitating issues that require nursing home care. Everyone knows that moderate drinking causes short-term issues such as drunk-driving, aggression, and physical fights.

If someone you love is a heavy drinker and displays any of the warning signs of dementia, call Better Addiction Care at (800) 429-7690. A concerned alcohol rehab specialist will ask you the right questions to help determine what facility can help your loved one get the alcohol out of his or her life. Alcohol causes brain damage with every swallow, so call today and get the help that’s needed.