Alcohol abuse can damage your body and mind. Long periods of heavy drinking or binge drinking can change how your brain functions. These changes can make it hard to stop drinking and may cause other cognitive symptoms.
People who drink heavily for a long time may develop a condition called alcoholic dementia. This condition can significantly impact a person’s cognitive ability and daily functioning.
Recognizing the symptoms of alcohol-related dementia can help you seek treatment. Treatment can help you manage cognitive impairment and other symptoms of this condition.
This article will explore alcoholic dementia. You will learn:
- What causes alcoholic dementia
- The symptoms of alcoholic dementia
- How to recognize and treat alcohol abuse and addiction
- Where to find treatment for alcohol addiction
If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol misuse or addiction, seek treatment as quickly as possible. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs.
What is Alcoholic Dementia?
Alcoholic dementia is a term some people use to describe alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). Unlike Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, people with alcohol-related brain damage may be able to recover some or all of their cognitive functioning if they receive treatment and support.
What Causes Alcoholic Dementia?
Long-term heavy drinking can lead to alcohol-related brain damage. Medical experts believe there are several factors involved in alcoholic dementia. These include:
Low thiamine (vitamin B1) levels
Alcohol prevents the body from absorbing thiamine. People with alcohol abuse and addiction may also be less likely to eat a high-quality, balanced diet. Low thiamine levels can impair proper brain functioning.
Blood vessel damage
Regularly drinking too much can damage the blood vessels within the brain. It may result in high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke.
Increased risk of head injuries
People who drink excessively may be more prone to falls and other accidents that can result in head and brain injuries. Damage to the brain from injuries can lead to memory loss and other cognitive conditions.
Damage to nerve and brain cells
Excessive alcohol consumption can kill brain and nerve cells. It may lead to shrinking in the brain and fewer cells to carry messages throughout the brain and body.
Diagnosing alcohol-related dementia and seeking comprehensive treatment can help people preserve or restore functioning.
Signs of Alcoholic Dementia
Alcohol-induced dementia is a medical condition that can affect short-term memory and other cognitive processes. Recognizing the symptoms of this condition can help you seek the appropriate treatment.
Some signs of alcoholic dementia include:
- Difficulty maintaining focus on a task
- Impaired problem-solving abilities
- Poor organizational skills
- Difficulty setting goals
- Impaired judgment
- Difficulty with decision-making
- Lacking motivation to do tasks, including daily activities like eating or getting dressed
- Mood swings or poor emotional regulation
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Impaired ability to recognize others’ feelings
The symptoms of alcoholic dementia can vary from person to person. These symptoms of dementia indicate that someone requires treatment and support.
For many, treatment begins with an alcohol rehab program. This type of care can help people safely stop drinking and prevent relapse. Then, people may require additional medical care to address their symptoms.
Treating Alcohol Abuse and Addiction
Many people with alcohol abuse and addiction require comprehensive detox and treatment programs to start their recovery journey. Recovering from alcohol addiction can be challenging, but getting the right level of support and treatment can help people overcome this condition.
Treatment for alcohol addiction happens in stages, typically beginning with a substance abuse evaluation. This assessment consists of information about your substance use, mental and physical health, family history, and more. It may also include lab testing and a physical exam.
Most people with alcohol addiction require intensive, medically-supported detox programs. You may begin your recovery journey in an inpatient detox facility. During detox, you will receive tailored support and round-the-clock treatment to help you manage withdrawal. Your detox treatment plan may include:
- Medications to reduce the risk of serious medical complications during detox
- Emotional support, including group therapy and individual counseling
- Holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, and more
- A secure, supportive environment
The support of a detox program can keep you safe and on track throughout the detox process.
After completing detox, you must continue treatment to address the complex roots of your addiction. Your treatment program may include:
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse and manage ongoing withdrawal symptoms
- Behavioral therapies, counseling, and other mental health treatment
- Family therapy, education, and support
- Relapse prevention education
- Mindfulness, exercise, art therapy, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
A holistic treatment program can help people stop drinking alcohol and learn to prevent a relapse. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): What Happened? Alcohol, Memory Blackouts, and the Brain
- Oxford Academic: The Neuropathology of Alcohol-Related Brain Damage
- Science Direct: Alcohol-related brain damage: an umbrella (term) for the approaching post-COVID monsoon
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Aging with Alcohol-Related Brain Damage: Critical Brain Circuits Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction.
