Alcoholic dementia is caused by excessive and long-term use of alcohol. Symptoms---as with other forms of dementia---include memory loss, poor judgment and confusion. In addition, people suffering from alcohol abuse often develop physical ailments such as liver damage and malnutrition that further impact brain function. Alcohol dementia is sometimes called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Symptoms of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Some authorities consider Wernicke-Korsakoff a form of dementia, whereas others view it as pure amnesia. Long-term alcohol use causes thiamine (vitamin B) deficiency because heavy drinking interferes with its metabolism. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome actually manifests with symptoms in two different stages. First, damage to the nervous system causes muscle weakness, loss of motor coordination, abnormal reflexes, vision changes and confusion. Over time, Korsakoff psychosis may develop with more severe memory problems. Patients may try to hide their memory loss by making up stories which they may actually believe are true.
Impact of Alcohol Dementia on Older People
The severity of the symptoms and age of onset correlate with the amount of alcohol consumed over the years. Therefore, although alcohol dementia can affect people as young as 30, it is more common in people over 50 years of age who have a longer history of heavy drinking. Alcohol abuse is under reported in the elderly population because doctors fail to recognize it and family members may not see the harm in "granny having a little fun." In addition, older people are more likely to be taking several over-the-counter or prescribed medications that interact with alcohol, exacerbating dementia symptoms.
Making the Diagnosis of Alcohol Dementia
Before diagnosing alcohol dementia, doctors need to rule out other diseases and circumstances that can cause thiamine deficiency such as AIDS, cancer, long-term dialysis and abnormal thyroid levels. A physical exam may indicate low blood pressure and body temperature and a fast pulse. Blood, urine and liver enzyme tests will indicate high levels of alcohol. Memory is impaired to a greater extent when compared to other cognitive functions. However, as with other forms of dementia, the person suffering from alcohol dementia loses abilities to sequence, understand abstract concepts and perform daily living skills such as dressing and grooming. Diagnosis of alcoholic dementia requires that these symptoms last beyond the period of intoxication.
References
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- "Eldercare: A Guide to Clinical Geriatrics"; O'Hara-Devereaux; 1981
- Alcohol Induced Dementia
