Addiction Treatment Center in Indiana | Sunrise Recovery

A person drinking beer while sitting on a couch

Dementia Related to Alcohol and Treatment Options

Alcohol use in the United States is a significant concern and can lead to numerous health issues, including liver cirrhosis, alcohol-related cancers, and alcoholic dementia. The most prevalent form of alcoholic dementia is Korsakoff syndrome, which is triggered by chronic alcohol abuse and manifests in symptoms related to memory impairment.
Dementia itself is a severe neurological disorder that impairs cognitive functions like memory and judgment. Millions of people across the U.S. suffer from different forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.
Although less frequent, Korsakoff syndrome still affects many individuals worldwide. This condition arises from prolonged alcohol consumption and is marked by difficulties in forming new memories and recalling past events.
Excessive alcohol use is tied to a range of other health problems, despite its widespread acceptance in society. Alarmingly, only a small fraction of those affected by these alcohol-related issues actually seek or receive the treatment they desperately need.

Alcohol-Related Brain Damage

Alcoholic dementia is a type of alcohol-related brain damage. This condition occurs when individuals consume alcohol at levels significantly exceeding recommended limits. Such drinking habits not only pose serious health risks but can also lead to alcohol dependence.
Prolonged high alcohol intake over several years can directly harm the brain, resulting in brain damage for some individuals.
Alcohol-related brain damage is characterized by a long-term decline in memory and cognitive function due to excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic heavy drinking damages nerve cells, as alcohol acts as a toxin, leading to chemical changes in the brain and even the shrinkage of brain tissue. Additionally, alcohol-related brain damage can result in compromised blood vessels, which are associated with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Various symptoms and conditions can arise from this damage, with alcoholic-induced dementia, such as Korsakoff’s syndrome, being the most common.

Alcoholic Dementia and Korsakoff Syndrome

Alcoholic dementia poses a significant risk for individuals who misuse alcohol. It can result in various symptoms that impact different areas of the brain. Common symptoms experienced by those suffering from alcoholic dementia include:
  • Impaired planning and organizational skills
  • Difficulty with decision-making and judgment
  • Trouble maintaining attention
  • Slowed reasoning processes
  • Insensitivity to social cues
Although the term “alcoholic dementia” is often used as an umbrella term, there is essentially one primary form: Korsakoff syndrome. This particular type of dementia, like many others, is primarily associated with memory-related issues.

Korsakoff’s Syndrome

Korsakoff’s syndrome represents the classic form of alcoholic dementia. It is a chronic memory disorder resulting from a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B-1, and is commonly linked to alcohol misuse. However, other conditions can also contribute to this syndrome, including AIDS, cancers, chronic infections, poor nutrition, and malabsorption issues.
The thiamine deficiency is the underlying cause of Korsakoff syndrome. Thiamine is essential for brain cells to convert sugar into energy. When thiamine levels drop too low, the brain struggles to generate sufficient energy to function effectively.
While alcohol use is a significant risk factor, heavy drinking can also lead to various cognitive changes and decline. Alcohol misuse contributes to brain damage through several mechanisms, including:
  • Toxic effects on brain cells
  • Stress from repeated intoxication and withdrawal
  • Alcohol-related diseases that impact the brain
Wernicke encephalopathy is a related disorder that often occurs prior to Korsakoff syndrome and is considered a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can result in death in up to 20 percent of cases and progresses to Korsakoff syndrome in 85 percent of survivors.
Research indicates that approximately 25 percent of individuals who develop Korsakoff syndrome eventually achieve full recovery, about half show improvement but do not fully recover, and around 25 percent remain unchanged.

Symptoms

Korsakoff syndrome significantly affects the ability to learn new information, impeding a person’s capacity to remember recent events and resulting in long-term memory gaps. While memory issues can be severe, other cognitive functions, such as social skills, may remain intact.
In advanced cases, individuals may begin to fabricate information they cannot recall. This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate deceit; some may genuinely believe in these constructed narratives.

Treatment

It is often recommended that heavy drinkers and individuals at risk of thiamine deficiency take oral thiamine supplements and other vitamins under medical supervision.
For those with a history of heavy alcohol consumption experiencing symptoms associated with Korsakoff syndrome, it is advisable to reduce alcohol intake or abstain altogether.
A close-up of a doctor holding a brown bottle

Alcohol Treatment

Alcohol is the primary contributor to alcoholic dementia and Korsakoff syndrome. Unfortunately, alcohol misuse is a significant issue in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, over 15 million adults have alcohol use disorder, resulting in an estimated 88,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. Alarmingly, fewer than seven percent of individuals with alcohol use disorder receive treatment.
Many people may recognize that their alcohol consumption is problematic but feel uncertain about how to address it. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help locate drug and alcohol treatment centers to assist in overcoming these challenges.
Effectiveness
If you are considering alcohol treatment for yourself or a loved one, you may be questioning whether such treatment is worthwhile and effective. It is important to note that, regardless of how severe the situation may seem, most individuals with an alcohol use disorder can benefit from some form of treatment.
Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that approximately one-third of people treated for alcohol-related issues experience no further symptoms one year after treatment.
Detoxification
Detoxification is crucial for individuals with alcohol use disorders who are striving to achieve sobriety. Alcohol withdrawal can be challenging and potentially life-threatening in severe cases. Withdrawal symptoms typically emerge within eight hours after the last drink and generally last for a few days before subsiding. Common symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal include:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Rapid heart rate
Severe alcohol withdrawal can lead to even more serious complications, such as agitation, fever, seizures, severe confusion, and hallucinations.

Behavioral Treatment

After detoxification, individuals in alcohol and drug treatment centers often participate in various behavioral therapies designed to educate patients about addiction and identify triggers that may lead them to relapse. Behavioral therapy can be conducted in both individual and group settings.
One of the most widely utilized forms of behavioral therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which typically occurs in one-on-one sessions with a therapist. CBT focuses on recognizing feelings and situations that contribute to heavy drinking or drug use. These sessions aim to manage stress related to triggers and alter the thought patterns that lead to excessive consumption.
Overall, alcohol treatment should be prioritized for anyone facing an alcohol use disorder. Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant issue that impacts nearly every organ in the body. For example, alcohol use can lead to conditions such as liver cirrhosis, kidney problems, and an increased risk of various types of cancer, all of which can be life-threatening.

Other Types of Dementia

Dementia is one of the leading health concerns in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it ranks as the sixth leading cause of death, resulting in over 115,000 deaths annually. Understanding the various types of dementia can help in recognizing the signs when someone begins to exhibit symptoms.

Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is a progressive form of dementia characterized by a gradual decline in thinking and reasoning skills due to damage to brain cells over time. It is the third most common type of dementia, following Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, accounting for 5 to 10 percent of dementia cases.
Individuals with Lewy body dementia often experience movement and motor issues, such as difficulty walking and a hunched posture. Other common symptoms include:
  • Changes in judgment and thinking
  • Delusions
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mild confusion
  • Difficulty processing visual information
The exact causes of Lewy body dementia remain largely unknown, and most individuals diagnosed do not have a family history of the condition.
Currently, there are no treatments available to halt or slow the progression of brain damage associated with Lewy body dementia. Treatment strategies focus primarily on managing and alleviating symptoms, with several medications available to assist with symptom relief.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is another progressive brain disorder that affects many people worldwide. It leads to changes in specific areas of the brain, impacting movement, mood, and cognitive abilities due to a defective gene on one of a person’s chromosomes.
Unfortunately, Huntington’s disease is hereditary. Anyone who inherits the gene from a parent is destined to develop the disease and face its associated symptoms.
Symptoms typically emerge between the ages of 30 and 50, although they can appear at any age, from 2 to 80. Common symptoms of Huntington’s disease include uncontrolled movements throughout the body and a decline in cognitive skills, affecting memory, concentration, judgment, and other mental processes.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a type of brain disorder classified as a prion disease and is the most prevalent form of this condition.
Prion diseases, including CJD, are associated with the prion protein, which is one of many proteins present throughout the body. In this disease, the protein undergoes abnormal folding into a three-dimensional shape, leading to the destruction of brain cells.
This damage results in a decline in various brain and body functions, affecting cognitive processes such as thinking and reasoning. Over time, individuals may experience involuntary muscle movements, confusion, difficulty walking, and mood changes.
This damage results in a decline in various brain and body functions, affecting cognitive processes such as thinking and reasoning. Over time, individuals may experience involuntary muscle movements, confusion, difficulty walking, and mood changes.
CJD causes a rapidly progressing form of dementia, unlike other common forms such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, which tend to progress more slowly.
CJD is rare, impacting approximately one in every one million people globally.
Alcohol Addiction Rehab Center Indiana

Now What?

Dementia is a significant issue affecting millions across the country. It impacts memory and judgment and can hinder a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks. Certain forms of dementia, such as Korsakoff syndrome and alcoholic dementia, are directly linked to alcohol consumption.
Excessive alcohol use can result in a range of mental and physical health problems. If not addressed, an alcohol use disorder can lead to life-threatening consequences. Fortunately, treatment options are available and can be effective in helping individuals achieve long-term sobriety.
Sunrise Recovery, located in Clarksville, Indiana, offers a pathway to recovery for those seeking help. Sunrise provides detoxification services, inpatient treatment that includes behavioral therapy, and a discharge plan to support individuals in transitioning to life after rehab.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the individualized treatment plans available at Sunrise Recovery, please visit our website and contact our admissions team today.

Related Articles

8 Effective Strategies to Decline Alcohol

8 Effective Strategies to Decline Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is deeply woven into social customs, often taking center stage at gatherings or…

Jan 9, 2025
A person holding a person's head

How to Recognize if Your Wife May Be Struggling with Alcoholism

Alcoholism, clinically referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD), often develops gradually, making it challenging…

Dec 30, 2024
A person and person drinking beer

Can You Still Be Impaired While Under the Legal Alcohol Limit?

These are important questions that we’ll address as we explore the nuances of impairment and…

Dec 26, 2024
Substance Use at Indiana University

Substance Use at Indiana University

What comes to mind when envisioning the college experience? Is it late nights studying and…

Dec 9, 2024
Understanding Indiana's Legal Alcohol Limit

Understanding Indiana’s Legal Alcohol Limit

Driving under the influence is widely recognized as both dangerous and illegal. In Indiana, the…

Dec 3, 2024
America’s Most Prevalent Addictions: Cigarettes and Alcohol Take a Backseat

America’s Most Prevalent Addictions: Cigarettes and Alcohol Take a Backseat

For generations, alcohol and cigarettes have been ingrained in American culture, long-standing among the most…

Dec 2, 2024
Is It Risky to Combine Melatonin with Alcohol?

Is It Risky to Combine Melatonin with Alcohol?

While melatonin is often considered a harmless sleep aid, combining it with alcohol can produce…

Nov 19, 2024
How Is Alcohol Classified?

How Is Alcohol Classified?

Alcohol is a substance that requires little introduction, but is it actually considered a drug?The…

Nov 13, 2024
Assisting An Alcoholic Parent

Assisting An Alcoholic Parent

Helping an Alcoholic Parent Dealing with addiction is a challenging topic, especially when it involves…

Nov 12, 2024
Start Your Journey With Sunrise Recovery Today

Locations

Visit Sunrise Recovery Rehab Centers near you

Join Sunrise Recovery

We're hiring! Let's build a Healthier, Happier Tomorrow.

Monthly Newsletter

Stay updated with our recent events monthly.