If caught early enough, patients with the more general type of ARD can significantly improve their condition by quitting alcohol and eating a balanced diet. They will also take a patient’s history, perform a physical exam, and conduct lab tests. They will determine if a patient’s health status is consistent with the effects of substance misuse. People may struggle to recall recent events or learn new information, and they may repeatedly ask the same questions.

Coping With Long-Term Effects

As the condition progresses, it can become more challenging to care for the individual, which can put a strain on familial relationships. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are also very effective in helping people recover from alcoholism. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a confidential, free national hotline that can help you find local treatment, support groups, and community organizations. About 1 in 10 people have some form of ARBD, and for those with young-onset dementia who are younger than 65, ARBD affects 1 in 8 people.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

There is currently a debate among scientists about the extent to which alcohol by itself damages the brain, as opposed to the damage from thiamine deficiency. It isn’t easy to cope with alcohol-related dementia, but there are resources that can help. You may also choose to share your diagnosis with supportive family and friends—you don’t have to navigate your condition alone. Early treatment is the key to successfully treating alcohol-related dementia.

Which questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation. Treatment typically involves the use of oral or injectable thiamine supplements. Additionally, medications that are indicated for treating dementia, such as Namenda (memantine), may be prescribed, but the benefits are not established for alcohol-related dementia. Alcohol-related dementia can occur at any age, and it is expected to worsen rapidly (within a few years) after the initial symptoms begin.

Those who are in the moderate category and consume around 1–2 drinks a day may have a reduced rate of dementia. Moreover, some can alcohol cause dementia research indicates that moderate drinking may enhance cognition in the elderly. In the long-term, chronic alcohol use increases the risk of permanent brain damage. Alcoholic dementia involves memory loss and a variety of other cognitive impairments.

• Alcohol-related dementia is similar in some ways to Alzheimer’s disease in that it affects memory and cognitive ability.
• Another consequence could include an increased risk of falls, a negative impact on quality of life, and a loss of autonomy or independence.
• While drinking may have started out feeling good, tolerance builds over time, and you eventually drink to avoid feeling bad.
• Sometimes, noticeable personality changes take place, with increased agitation and anger, and a person can become almost unrecognizable to friends and family.
• Research shows that by stopping drinking, the brain is able to partially recover white matter, leading to improved cognitive and motor function.
• Unlike other dementias, this form is directly tied to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol and nutritional deficiencies, such as thiamine (vitamin B1), caused by alcohol’s impact on the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Alcoholics Anonymous offers meetings for Sober living home seniors, while the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline can help families find local resources and support groups. Lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and stopping the use of alcohol, generally help. However, the outlook is often guarded, and a person may never fully recover from the condition.

Research shows that by stopping drinking, the brain is able to partially recover white matter, leading to improved cognitive and motor function. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, research shows that drinking excessive amounts of alcohol does increase the risk of developing dementia. If you’re seeking solutions for alcohol addiction or noticing cognitive symptoms tied to drinking, getting professional help could be the first step to reclaiming control.

• Dementia is an umbrella term for a variety of conditions that affect a person’s processing skills and memory.
• Korsakoff’s and Wernicke’s are related disorders, both of which stem from vitamin B1 deficiency.
• Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can also help prevent and manage alcoholic dementia.

At Kensington Park Senior Living, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to our residents, regardless of the level of care they require. Simple activities like buttoning clothes or tying shoelaces become challenging, impacting their independence and overall quality of life. They may also experience anxiety, depression, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, leading to social withdrawal and isolation, which can be dangerous for any senior. Alcohol-related dementia often manifests as problems with reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Alcohol-related dementia can also affect language and communication abilities.