The effects of alcohol abuse on the brain include severe brain damage.

While alcohol is best known for the damage it can cause in the liver and kidneys, heavy drinking and dementia have also been linked. Below are the most common signs of alcohol dementia that you should look out for if you or someone you know has a history of heavy drinking.

What Is Alcohol Dementia?

Alcohol (alcoholic) dementia refers to an alcohol-induced major neurocognitive disorder. The most common form of alcohol dementia is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. This syndrome is actually a combination of two disorders that can occur independently or simultaneously – Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome. Alcohol dementia, in general, is characterized by problems with memory, learning, and overall cognitive function. A person with alcoholic dementia may often struggle with their memory to the point where they create fabricated, detailed stories to fill in the gaps. A person with a drinking problem who does not undergo an alcohol detox or treatment is at risk of developing this condition.

How Does Alcohol Cause Dementia?

As you may have noticed, alcohol dementia is dementia caused by alcohol. Alcohol causes dementia by causing thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. People with alcohol use disorders tend to have nutritional deficiencies that increase their chances of developing health problems. Thiamine deficiency is common among chronic drinkers, which explains why they’re more prone to developing dementia. Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a vitamin often found in food dietary supplements that help the body convert food into energy. Without enough thiamine, the body can’t work properly. Because chronic alcoholics often drink more than they eat, they’re usually low on this important vitamin.

If a person with a drinking problem does not receive substance abuse treatment, they’re more likely to develop impairments of memory and other cognitive issues related to dementia. At Banyan Texas, we offer alcohol addiction treatment in Waelder for chronic drinkers who want to regain their sobriety and improve their quality of life. By getting professional help, you or a loved one can reduce the risk of developing dementia.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Dementia?

The signs of alcoholic dementia a person exhibits may vary depending on the type of alcohol dementia they have. Some common signs of alcohol dementia include:

• Unexplained changes in personality or character
• Lying without realizing it
• Abnormal eye movement
• Decreased or abnormal reflexes
• Fabricating stories
• Memory loss
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with motor movement and coordination
• Loss of speech
• Difficulties learning
• Trouble with complex problem-solving
• Getting lost on familiar paths
• Difficulties completing simple tasks, like following a cooking recipe
• Confusion regarding the place or time the person is in
• Difficulties appropriately stringing sentences or words together

Alcohol dementia attacks more than just a person’s memory. This is one of the many diseases caused by alcohol that can ruin a person’s life. If you have a drinking problem, do not wait until it’s too late to get help. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Texas at 888-280-4763 to learn how our alcohol and drug treatment facility in Texas can help restore your sobriety.