It’s no secret that heavy drinking can hurt your mental and physical health in the long run. But some experts say the lifestyle habit may be more harmful than anticipated – especially when it comes to the brain. So how exactly do your drinking habits play a role in cognition? Heavy drinking can lead to cognitive impairment, and in severe cases it can cause “alcohol-induced dementia,” says Amber Robins, MD, a double board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician. In other words, yes, alcohol can cause dementia.
The tricky thing is, symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia (like sudden memory loss and confusion) can also be confused with those associated with age-related dementia, making it harder to spot. In order to better understand the specific signs of alcohol-related dementia and how to prevent it, we had Dr. Robins weigh in. Ahead, here’s everything you need to know about alcohol-related dementia, including what causes it, specific symptoms are, and best prevention and treatment methods.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Amber Robins, MD, a double board-certified family and lifestyle medicine physician.
What Is Alcohol-Induced Dementia?
If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol can cause dementia, the answer is yes. In some instances of heavy drinking, it can lead to alcohol-induced dementia. Also known as alcohol-related dementia, the condition is considered a type of cognitive impairment or brain damage that occurs as a result of long-term heavy alcohol consumption, Dr. Robins says.
For that reason, it’s likely a higher risk among people with alcohol use disorder. In one study, one in four elderly patients in treatment for AUD had alcohol-related dementia.
The condition is also closely linked to a memory disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is similarly caused by excessive alcohol intake, Dr. Robins says. The two conditions present with comparable symptoms (more on that below). But Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome happens due to low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1) in the body, which is essential for brain functioning. Alcohol-induced dementia can begin with low levels of thiamine, so the two conditions are often associated.
Diagnosis for alcohol-related dementia requires a physical and mental health exam, blood testing, and a thorough health history. Dr. Robins says brain imaging may also be necessary to rule out other types of dementia.
Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Dementia
For some, symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia can present as sudden memory loss and confusion, while others may experience more gradual cognitive changes, Dr. Robins says. The condition can be tricky to spot because it presents with similar symptoms as age-related dementia, though symptoms may worsen in those who continue drinking, according to Healthline.
Symptoms include difficulties with the following:
- Memory
- Processing
- Concentration or focus
- Problem solving
- Planning
- Organization
- Goal setting
- Motivation
- Vision
- Emotional control
- Decision-making and judgment
- Physical balance (even when sober, people may feel unsteady on their feet)
- Depression
- Irritability
How to Prevent Alcohol-Related Dementia
Research throughout the years has shown that those who participated in heavy drinking and binge drinking were more likely to experience dementia. The best preventative method is to consume alcohol mindfully and in moderation, experts say. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends “alcohol consumption be reduced as much as possible, particularly in mid-life, to minimize the risk of developing age-related conditions such as frailty and dementia.” That said, if you are struggling to reduce your alcohol intake or concerned that your consumption is problematic, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides tons of helpful resources, including a national 24/7 helpline.
Can Alcohol-Related Dementia Be Reversed?
In most cases, symptoms of alcohol-related dementia stop progressing and even improve once a person quits drinking, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. However, it’s not always safe for someone with a history of heavy, chronic alcohol misuse to quit cold turkey; they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as delirium, mood swings, confusion, profuse sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, agitation, and/or hallucinations.
If the withdrawal symptoms are severe, hospitalization may be required; a physician may also prescribe medication to mimic the effects of alcohol on the brain to reduce discomfort.
Once the withdrawal is over, most people are referred to a mental health professional and/or a support group for resources, counseling, and self-help strategies targeted at helping them continue to abstain from alcohol going forward. For those with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, hydration and thiamine supplementation can also improve symptoms, Dr. Robins adds.
Still, alcohol-related dementia may not be entirely reversible since chronic alcohol misuse likely caused brain damage, Dr. Robins says. As a result, some people may experience long-term memory loss, confusion, and personality changes even with proper care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has resources available, including a national 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can also send your zip code via text to 435748 (HELP4U) for treatment referral and information services.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She’s written for POPSUGAR, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and more. She is a mass consumer of social media and a former collegiate pole vaulter, and she cares about holistic wellness and non-stigmatizing reproductive care.
