Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Does Alcohol Lead to Dementia?Stages of Alcoholic Dementia SymptomsGetting an Alcoholic Dementia DiagnosisDoes Treatment Reverse Alcoholic Dementia?Programs to Treat Alcoholic Dementia and DependanceSide Effects of WithdrawalCoping With Long-Term Effects of Alcoholic Dementia
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Does Alcohol Lead to Dementia?
Stages of Alcoholic Dementia Symptoms
Getting an Alcoholic Dementia Diagnosis
Does Treatment Reverse Alcoholic Dementia?
Programs to Treat Alcoholic Dementia and Dependance
Side Effects of Withdrawal
Coping With Long-Term Effects of Alcoholic Dementia
Chronic alcohol use can cause memory and behavioral changes, often described as alcoholic dementia.There are many contributing factors and types of alcoholic dementia, including head trauma, liver failure, and alcohol-associated malnutrition.
If you or a loved one begins to develop signs of alcoholic dementia, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Alcoholic dementia is gradually progressive, and it worsens over time. Medical treatment and getting treated for alcohol addiction may help prevent the condition from getting worse.
This article describes the causes of alcoholic dementia, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and coping.
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Alcoholleads to dementia in several ways. Alcohol consumptionaffects every organ in the body. Drinking alcohol in moderation has not been considered a cause of health problems or dementia. However, recent studies suggest that even moderate alcohol use can increase the likelihood of dementia.
How alcohol can contribute to dementia includes:
Excessive alcohol use for many years is linked to alcoholic dementia, and some people can develop alcoholic dementia more rapidly than others.
Alcohol use disorder(AUD) is defined in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition(DSM-5). Its diagnostic criteria include factors such as the frequency and amount of alcohol use, as well as behavioral features of addiction.All types of alcohol dementia are associated with AUD.
Not everybody who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol for long periods of time develops dementia. But there is no way to predict whether a person who consumes large amounts of alcohol will develop alcoholic dementia or not.
Alcoholic Dementia vs. Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Understanding Binge Drinking
Alcoholic dementia can occur at any age, and it is expected to worsen rapidly (within a few years) after the initial symptoms begin.
Some people may develop behavioral symptoms or problems with memory and decision-making before experiencing motor effects of alcoholic dementia, but the pattern of symptoms doesn’t necessarily follow a particular sequence.
Effects of alcoholic dementia can include:
A diagnosis of dementia requires a comprehensive physical and psychological evaluation. This includes cognitive testing, which involves assessing thinking and problem-solving skills.
Dementia has many causes, and it can be difficult to distinguish causes. Sometimes, physical changes such as movement disorders or coordination problems can help differentiate types of dementia.
In addition to a physical examination and medical history, your healthcare provider may order diagnostic testing to help reach specific causes for dementia symptoms.
The evaluation will include:
Diagnostic testing may include:
The results will help determine whether you or your loved one has AUD, dementia, or both.
Therapy for alcoholic dementia can include management of AUD, nutritional supplementation to compensate for nutrient deficiencies, and exercises to help improve cognition (thinking abilities) and motor skills.
If you or a loved one is living with AUD, it can be challenging to stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous if you abruptly stop drinking after consuming large amounts of alcohol for a long time.
Alcohol is highly addictive for some people. A variety of programs can help you stop drinking. You should discuss your intentions with your healthcare provider, who can work with you to help plan your next steps toward recovery.
Options may include inpatient or outpatient detoxification from alcohol, and sometimes, medication is necessary to help a person stop drinking.
Medications prescribed for AUD include:
Alcohol withdrawalcan be unpleasant and, sometimes, it even is dangerous. You may need to stop drinking while being treated in an inpatient program if you regularly consume excessive alcohol.
You and your healthcare providers will have to decide on a plan to determine the safest steps as you begin the process of quitting alcohol.
Side effects of alcohol withdrawal may include:
If you are undergoing alcohol withdrawal in a supervised medical setting, your healthcare team will monitor your vital signs and your overall mental status throughout the process so interventions can be started when needed to maintain your safety.
What Is Alcoholism and How to Get Treatment
If you or a loved one is living with alcoholic dementia, it can be extremely difficult to cope with—personally and for the family.
Usually, self-care is impaired with alcoholic dementia. People may also have motor difficulties due to impaired coordination and trouble walking, which can lead to safety concerns.
Memory and decision-making are also severely affected, which means that people living with this condition need help from trusted family or friends to manage home, finances, transportation, and more.
It can be beneficial to work with a social worker who is experienced in managing alcoholic dementia and who can guide you and provide you with advice, support, and resources as you cope with this condition.
People coping with alcoholic dementia—and their loved ones—may also benefit from working with a counselor or therapist who can help manage emotions, anxiety, and mood changes associated with this condition.
You may also find value in joining a support group for people who are living with alcoholic dementia or for caregivers so that you can meet with others who are coping with the same life stressors as you are. Sometimes, knowing what to expect and how others have managed challenges can help provide a source of comfort and community.
Life ExpectancyAlcohol-related dementia is associated with a low survival. According to one large epidemiological study, five-year survival after diagnosis of alcohol-related dementia was 53.4% for men and 63.4% for women, and the 10‐year survival was 29.5% for men and 38.3% for women.Note that the terms for sex or gender from the cited study are used.)
Life Expectancy
Alcohol-related dementia is associated with a low survival. According to one large epidemiological study, five-year survival after diagnosis of alcohol-related dementia was 53.4% for men and 63.4% for women, and the 10‐year survival was 29.5% for men and 38.3% for women.Note that the terms for sex or gender from the cited study are used.)
Summary
Alcoholic dementia encompasses several different alcohol-induced neurological conditions that can affect thinking skills.
This condition generally affects people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD). The most common causes of alcoholic dementia include head trauma, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, liver failure, and the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain
Sometimes, nutritional supplementation can help prevent the progression of this type of dementia. Additionally, stopping alcohol use is a key factor in preventing additional damage that causes worsening of alcoholic dementia. It can be dangerous to stop alcohol abruptly, and it’s safer to go through alcohol detoxification under medical supervision.
Coping with alcoholic dementia can be difficult for a person who is experiencing it, as well as for their loved ones. You don’t have to go through this alone—seeking help from healthcare providers, as well as support groups, can help you as you learn how to manage your alcohol use and how to cope with the effects of alcoholic dementia.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Dementia.Angebrandt A, Abulseoud OA, Kisner M, et al.Dose-dependent relationship between social drinking and brain aging.Neurobiol Aging.2022;111:71-81. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.11.008Rao R, Topiwala A.Alcohol use disorders and the brain.Addiction. 2020;115(8):1580-1589. doi:10.1111/add.15023Wiegmann C, Mick I, Brandl EJ, Heinz A, Gutwinski S.Alcohol and dementia - what is the link? A systematic review.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2020;16:87-99. doi:10.2147/NDT.S198772National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.Chen X, Yang C, Du C, Jiang G.Clinical analysis of alcoholic pellagra: A single-center retrospective study.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(10):4707-4713. doi:10.1111/jocd.15036Maharjan S, Amjad Z, Abaza A, et al.Executive dysfunction in patients with alcohol use disorder: A systematic review.Cureus.2022;14(9):e29207. doi:10.7759/cureus.29207Palm A, Vataja R, Talaslahti T, et al.Incidence and mortality of alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A nationwide register study.Int J Geriatr Psychiatry.2022;37(8):10.1002/gps.5775. doi:10.1002/gps.5775Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol use and your health.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organization.Dementia.Angebrandt A, Abulseoud OA, Kisner M, et al.Dose-dependent relationship between social drinking and brain aging.Neurobiol Aging.2022;111:71-81. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.11.008Rao R, Topiwala A.Alcohol use disorders and the brain.Addiction. 2020;115(8):1580-1589. doi:10.1111/add.15023Wiegmann C, Mick I, Brandl EJ, Heinz A, Gutwinski S.Alcohol and dementia - what is the link? A systematic review.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2020;16:87-99. doi:10.2147/NDT.S198772National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.Chen X, Yang C, Du C, Jiang G.Clinical analysis of alcoholic pellagra: A single-center retrospective study.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(10):4707-4713. doi:10.1111/jocd.15036Maharjan S, Amjad Z, Abaza A, et al.Executive dysfunction in patients with alcohol use disorder: A systematic review.Cureus.2022;14(9):e29207. doi:10.7759/cureus.29207Palm A, Vataja R, Talaslahti T, et al.Incidence and mortality of alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A nationwide register study.Int J Geriatr Psychiatry.2022;37(8):10.1002/gps.5775. doi:10.1002/gps.5775Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol use and your health.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organization.Dementia.Angebrandt A, Abulseoud OA, Kisner M, et al.Dose-dependent relationship between social drinking and brain aging.Neurobiol Aging.2022;111:71-81. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.11.008Rao R, Topiwala A.Alcohol use disorders and the brain.Addiction. 2020;115(8):1580-1589. doi:10.1111/add.15023Wiegmann C, Mick I, Brandl EJ, Heinz A, Gutwinski S.Alcohol and dementia - what is the link? A systematic review.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2020;16:87-99. doi:10.2147/NDT.S198772National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.Chen X, Yang C, Du C, Jiang G.Clinical analysis of alcoholic pellagra: A single-center retrospective study.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(10):4707-4713. doi:10.1111/jocd.15036Maharjan S, Amjad Z, Abaza A, et al.Executive dysfunction in patients with alcohol use disorder: A systematic review.Cureus.2022;14(9):e29207. doi:10.7759/cureus.29207Palm A, Vataja R, Talaslahti T, et al.Incidence and mortality of alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A nationwide register study.Int J Geriatr Psychiatry.2022;37(8):10.1002/gps.5775. doi:10.1002/gps.5775Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol use and your health.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help.
World Health Organization.Dementia.
Angebrandt A, Abulseoud OA, Kisner M, et al.Dose-dependent relationship between social drinking and brain aging.Neurobiol Aging.2022;111:71-81. doi:10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2021.11.008
Rao R, Topiwala A.Alcohol use disorders and the brain.Addiction. 2020;115(8):1580-1589. doi:10.1111/add.15023
Wiegmann C, Mick I, Brandl EJ, Heinz A, Gutwinski S.Alcohol and dementia - what is the link? A systematic review.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat.2020;16:87-99. doi:10.2147/NDT.S198772
National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Chen X, Yang C, Du C, Jiang G.Clinical analysis of alcoholic pellagra: A single-center retrospective study.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(10):4707-4713. doi:10.1111/jocd.15036
Maharjan S, Amjad Z, Abaza A, et al.Executive dysfunction in patients with alcohol use disorder: A systematic review.Cureus.2022;14(9):e29207. doi:10.7759/cureus.29207
Palm A, Vataja R, Talaslahti T, et al.Incidence and mortality of alcohol-related dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A nationwide register study.Int J Geriatr Psychiatry.2022;37(8):10.1002/gps.5775. doi:10.1002/gps.5775
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol use and your health.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help.
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