Alcohol-related dementia is gradually progressive, and it worsens over time.
Medical treatment may help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Causes
Alcoholleads to dementia in several ways.
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Alcohol consumptionaffects every organ in the body.
Drinking alcohol in moderation had 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.
Not everybody who consumes excessive amounts of alcohol for long periods of time develops dementia.
Diagnosis
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.
Can Treatment Reverse It?
Treatment may help prevent the progression of dementia thats associated with alcohol use.
Alcohol is highly addictive for some people.
A variety of programs can help you stop drinking.
Medications prescribed for AUD include:
Alcohol withdrawalcan be unpleasant and, sometimes, even dangerous.
You may need to stop drinking while being treated in an inpatient program if you regularly consume excessive alcohol.
Usually, self-care is impaired with alcohol-related dementia.
Life Expectancy
Alcohol-related dementia is associated with a low survival.
(Note that the terms for sex or gender from the cited study are used.)
Summary
Alcohol-related dementia involves behavioral and memory changes brought on by chronic alcohol use.
It generally affects people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Additionally, stopping alcohol use can help prevent additional damage.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol use and your health.
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.
doi:10.1002/gps.5775
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help.
