In the last 15 years, it is estimated that alcohol abuse in seniors escalated by more than 100 percent. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that more than 2.5 million older adults in the United States have an alcohol or substance abuse disorder. People who abuse alcohol habitually experience a wide range of medical conditions, including liver cirrhosis. However, the toxic effects of chronic alcohol abuse can also lead to cognitive issues like alcohol-induced dementia.
How Alcohol-Induced Dementia Develops
Alcohol impacts certain areas of the brain that are responsible for producing, releasing, and transmitting dopamine. Excessive alcohol consumption also affects the glutamate receptor sites, which lead to a lack of physical coordination, slurred speech, mood changes, and cognitive issues. Seniors who drink heavily often have thiamine or B1 deficiencies. Vitamin B1 is essential for normal neuron function. Inadequate levels of vitamin B1 damage the neurons and lead to alcohol-induced dementia. Alcohol-induced dementia is just one of the many age-related health issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality non-medical senior care. Henderson families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.Alcohol-Induced Dementia Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of alcohol-induced dementia include:- Aggressive or agitated behavior
- Chronic drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Inability to remember the names of common objects or people
- Difficulty tracking time
- Language difficulties
- Inaccurate memories
- Confabulating memories
- Irrational fears or paranoia
- Loss of physical coordination
- Mood and personality changes
- Short and long-term memory loss
- Spastic or jerky body movements