Alcoholism has been linked to numerous health problems and disease. Exposure to alcohol over long periods can be especially dangerous for women over a significantly shorter duration than men. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women show an increased vulnerability to the effects both cognitively and physically in half the exposure time. Other factors influencing late stage cognitive effects of alcoholism for men and women include: the extent of malnutrition from the lack of thiamine, or vitamin B1; the amount and frequency of drinking; the age of first exposure; family history of the disease; medications and general health quality.
Thiamine Deficiency and Cellular Activity
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, deficiency is a result of malnutrition. Medline Plus defines the process involved with alcohol use as depletion of thiamine that both the body and the brain require to function properly. On a cellular level for example, thiamine is an essential nutrient necessary for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy, vital functions related to the heart, muscles and nervous system. With the use of alcohol the body is unable to absorb thiamine, even if the individual is eating properly or taking a supplement. Cognitively, this results in psychosis and neuropathy.
Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Black outs, a period of unconsciousness, and short term memory loss is common among both early and late stage alcoholics. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggest that malnourishment in the body and the brain among alcoholics begins with memory deficits and forgetfulness and later transition into the more serious condition of Wernicke's encephalopathy. This condition exhibits symptoms of confusion, eye movement problems, and a paralyzing muscle movement disorder. Wernicke's encephalopathy is not permanent, but it can develop into another, permanent disorder called Korsakoff's psychosis.
Korsakoff Syndrome
Korsakoff Syndrome begins with the symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy, and can move into the psychosis stage. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke define this psychosis, referred to as Korsakoff's, as the second phase in one disease course, Wernicke-korsakoff Syndrome. The individual exhibits significant learning problems, impaired judgement, inability to manage on their own without dependency on others and the inability to retain new information. Problems with movement, coordination, and agitation can become significant behavioral challenges. Left untreated, this sparks a serious safety concern with a debilitating condition that can result in permanent nerve damage and amnesia related to both short and long term memory.
