Dementia affects millions of people in the United States and is most commonly associated with aging. However, there can be other causes of dementia. Head injuries, strokes, and alcohol misuse can also cause damage to the brain which can lead to dementia. If you, or a loved one, struggle with alcohol use and think you are experiencing early signs of dementia, don’t wait to get the support you need.
A professional treatment program can address addiction as well as any co-occurring disorders with a holistic approach that treats mind, body, and soul. Alcohol addiction treatment is just a phone call away at The Arbor when you are ready.
What is alcohol-induced dementia?
Alcohol-induced dementia is defined as chronic damage to the brain that is caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol for a long period of time. It is a serious side effect of an addiction to alcohol. Dementia is not uncommon among older people as their mental function starts to deteriorate. However, dementia can also be the result of major injury or alcohol use disorder (AUD), at any age. Many people don’t realize how significantly alcohol can impact the brain, but prolonged alcohol use negatively affects brain function in multiple ways.
Symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia can vary from person to person. Common symptoms of dementia in general include:
- Memory loss
- Trouble staying focused
- Diminished ability to problem-solve
- Making poor choices
- Uncontrollable emotions
- Lack of motivation
These symptoms can sometimes cause people to self-isolate, which can then exacerbate the symptoms.
How alcohol-induced dementia affects loved ones
The ripple effects of alcohol-induced dementia extend beyond the person experiencing the symptoms. Loved ones—spouses, children, parents, and close friends—often struggle emotionally and mentally as they watch someone they care about change in profound ways. They may feel helpless, frustrated, resentful, or overwhelmed by the shifts in behavior, memory loss, or emotional unpredictability.
Caregivers may take on increasing responsibility, sometimes without adequate support, which can lead to burnout and depression. The grief families experience over the person they once knew, changing before their eyes, can be intense, beginning long before a diagnosis is made.
Seeking treatment is crucial, not just for yourself, but for your family.
How is alcohol-induced dementia diagnosed?
You should visit a doctor if you are concerned about issues with memory loss or diminished cognitive abilities. After explaining your concerns, you will typically undergo a physical exam, and a medical professional will ask about your symptoms. A cognitive assessment or questionnaire may be administered to determine issues with memory and brain functions. Then, a brain scan may be recommended, depending on the symptoms. A doctor will review the information and test results to make a diagnosis.
Can alcohol-induced dementia be reversed?
Alcohol-induced dementia is a bit different from the more common age-related forms of dementia. One of the biggest differences is that with treatment, alcohol-induced dementia can improve over time. There may still be lasting damage, but once alcohol is removed from the body, the brain can be begin to recover and relearn some functions lost due to alcohol misuse.
Each person’s situation is different. In some cases, a brain may fully heal itself over time, and no symptoms will remain. In most cases, once a person stops drinking, the symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia will improve over time and partially reverse. The goal of AUD treatment is to improve cognitive and motor abilities as much as possible.
Schedule a consultation at The Arbor for AUD treatment today
Addiction comes with many side effects, some short-term and some lasting. But suffering in silence gets you nowhere. Alcohol-induced dementia is an unfortunate potential effect of AUD that can cause irreparable damage to your brain. Enrolling in a treatment program that provides a warm and welcoming environment staffed by caring professionals gives you the start you need to get on the road to recovery. Focus on becoming the healthiest version of yourself possible, with the personalized support and guidance you need to get you there. Call The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or complete the online inquiry form to get all your questions answered, so you know what to expect from your treatment experience.