Have you ever heard the term, “alcoholic dementia?” You may wonder, “What is alcoholic dementia? Does it affect me?” Alcoholic dementia is a brain disorder that develops as a result of long-term excessive drinking. While dementia can affect many areas of a person’s life, it is not always a terminal condition. A patient who receives quality care and stops drinking can make a partial or full recovery. Furthermore, they may not suffer further symptoms in the future.
While dementia can affect young drinkers, middle-aged people are more likely to get the condition. This is because it may take years for excessive drinking to take a toll on the brain. Alcoholic dementia can damage parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and cognition. The condition requires ongoing medical care. In addition, a heavy drinker may need to enter an alcohol treatment center in Illinois to recover from alcoholism.
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How Excessive Drinking Affects a Person’s Health
Drinking at high levels can pose a high risk to a person’s psychological and physical health. One way that alcohol abuse affects the brain is that it leads to insufficient levels of Thiamin, which provides energy to nerve cells. Without the right amount of Thiamin, a person may experience problems with memory or the ability to think clearly.
Heavy drinkers also can potentially damage blood cells due to excessive amounts of alcohol in the nervous system. This can lead to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. All of these conditions can damage parts of the brain.
Symptoms of Alcoholic Dementia
The symptoms of dementia vary from person to person based on the circumstances of their addiction and health. Common symptoms of alcoholic dementia may include:
Poor Judgment
After years of drinking, a person may develop poor judgment and decision-making skills. They may lack organization or have the inability to plan for events. They may also be unable to assess risk in situations that may be dangerous or cause harm.
Impulsive Behavior
Alcoholism can lead to a form of dementia that takes on symptoms similar to borderline personality disorder. For instance, they may make rash decisions or find it difficult to control their emotions. They may be irritable or go into emotional outbursts.
Problems Paying Attention
Lack of focus or ability to pay attention has long been linked to substance abuse. A person with a history of alcoholism often has problems focusing for any length of time. Furthermore, they may not pay attention when talking to someone. The person may drift off in the middle of an activity.
Lack of Sensitivity
A person who suffers from dementia may not have the ability to empathize with other people. They may also act out in ways that are rude to others or shows a lack of sensitivity. Socially inappropriate behavior is a common symptom of dementia.
Treatment for Alcoholic Dementia
You now know the answer to the question, “What is alcoholic dementia?” But do you know about the treatment?
We provide comprehensive treatment for all types of addictions and mental disorders, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Individual, family, and group therapy
If you or someone you love suffers from addiction or alcoholic dementia, then contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center. To find out more about your treatment options, or to get more information about the question, “what is alcoholic dementia?” call us at 855.786.1978. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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