Alcohol And Dementia

Alcohol dementia - Korsakoff’s syndrome

Consuming alcohol excessively for many years, especially with a diet low in Vitamin B1 (thiamine) leads to alcohol related dementia, which affects memory, learning and other mental functions. Although it is not strictly speaking a dementia, people with the condition experience loss of short term memory and the condition can be prevented by avoiding alcohol abuse.

Does moderate drinking too lead to alcohol dementia?

Some studies show that moderate drinkers have lesser risk of developing Alzheimer disease than heavy drinkers or teetotalers.

Who are at risk of developing alcohol dementia?

If a man consumes more than 6 standard alcoholic drinks every day and a female drinks more than 4 alcoholic drinks per day then they are at an increased risk of developing alcohol related dementia. The risk goes up for individuals who consume high levels of alcohol daily. Alcohol dementia can affect both men and women of any age.

What causes alcohol dementia?

Nutritional problems which often accompany heavy alcohol abuse for long duration is one of the contributing factor, as parts of the brain may be damaged by vitamin deficiencies, particularly decreased levels of thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B1) and the direct effect that alcohol has on the absorption and use of thiamine

Alcohol has an acute negative effect on the central nervous system. Alcohol affects the brain directly as a neurotoxin, resulting in poor common sense judgment, difficulty in making decision and poor insight.

As the alcohol affects the important p[arts of the brain, a person suffering from alcohol dementia would have little ability to learn new things, while many of their other mental abilities are still highly functioning. There may be personality changes in addition to intellectual impairment.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can change from individual to individual, but generally symptoms will include:

• Confusion.
• Difficulty with balance.
• Less concentration.
• Inability to shift from one mental task to another
• Memory problem.
• Change in personality.
• Problem in planning, organising and judgement and social skills.
• Inability to make decisions.

It has been seen that skills learned early in life such as language and gestures tend to be relatively unaffected.

Is there treatment available?

If a person stops drinking or significantly reduces the amount he or she is drinking and starts taking diet rich in Vitamin B1 (thiamine) -- the condition can be improved. However, there may be permanent damage.

Where do I get help?

You can get help from your local doctor, council, community health centre and local support group.