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What is Alcoholism Dementia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Alcoholism dementia is a neurological disorder that develops in people who drink high volumes of alcohol over a sustained period of time. Also known as alcohol dementia or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, this condition can be treated if it is caught in the early stages, reversing some of the damage and allowing the patient to live a normal life. While many people associate dementia with aging, people can develop alcoholism dementia as early as their 30s, and symptoms of cognitive disturbances in people of this age could be warning signs of early dementia.

People develop alcoholism dementia because of vitamin deficiencies, particularly low levels of thiamine. This condition can also develop in people with malnutrition. The brain relies on copious nutrients to function and low levels will, over time, impair cognitive function. If the condition is caught and the patient is weaned off alcohol and provided with adequate nutrition, including vitamin supplementation, the patient can regain many cognitive abilities.

A banana bag, which is used to prevent alcoholism dementia.
A banana bag, which is used to prevent alcoholism dementia.

Symptoms of alcoholism dementia can include behavioral changes, memory gaps, inability to acquire new information, and a shaky gait. Patients can also develop tremors and tend to experience confusion. They may ask the same questions over and over and can become agitated when reminded that they have already asked. As with other dementias, the changes to the brain can also be associated with depression, as patients may recognize that something is wrong and experience emotional distress and strain.

Those who binge drink daily are most at risk for alcoholism dementia.
Those who binge drink daily are most at risk for alcoholism dementia.

For alcoholism dementia to set in, people usually need to drink four to six strong drinks every day for a long time. People who drink at lower levels are less at risk, as are people who experience a drinking binge and then return to healthier alcohol consumption habits. A person who binges for a week can be at risk of other health complications, but the damage to the brain involved in alcoholism dementia takes time to set in.

Alcoholism dementia can be associated with depression, as patients may recognize that something is wrong.
Alcoholism dementia can be associated with depression, as patients may recognize that something is wrong.

Malnutrition is a common problem for alcoholics and in addition to causing alcoholism dementia, it can also lead to other health problems. Patients may experience hair loss, organ damage, and generalized physical weakness. Over time, these conditions can become very serious. The complications of alcoholism can be fatal in some cases and in others will cause permanent health problems for the patient, even if a drinking cessation program is successful. Intervening early when alcoholism develops can increase the chances of a full recovery for the patient.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • A banana bag, which is used to prevent alcoholism dementia.
      By: beerkoff
      A banana bag, which is used to prevent alcoholism dementia.
    • Those who binge drink daily are most at risk for alcoholism dementia.
      By: Photobank
      Those who binge drink daily are most at risk for alcoholism dementia.
    • Alcoholism dementia can be associated with depression, as patients may recognize that something is wrong.
      By: kolotype
      Alcoholism dementia can be associated with depression, as patients may recognize that something is wrong.