As we’ve discussed in a previous blog post, dementia is a condition characterized by the decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, social abilities, and reasoning, that interferes with daily life. The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Contrary to common belief, dementia is not a normal part of aging, but aging is the main risk factor for dementia.
Dementia is caused when a disease damages nerve cells in the brain.
Nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.
One area in particular that should be discussed in regards to the impact and connection to cognitive function and subsequent dementia is drugs and alcohol. These two related but distinct conditions that can affect older adults are substance-induced dementia and alcohol-related dementia. At Senior Industry Services, we believe that knowledge is power, and we wrote this blog post to help inform seniors and their loved ones about these conditions and how they can take steps toward prevention and support.
Substance-Induced Dementia
Drug or substance-induced dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and changes in behavior that occur as a result of using specific medications or substances. This form of dementia is known as pseudodementia, which means that it is different from other forms of dementia as it can be reversed. This form of dementia can mimic other types, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, but the underlying cause is substance-related damage to the brain.
Common drugs linked to this type of dementia include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Anticholinergics
- Opioids
- Antipsychotics
- Alcohol
Long-term drug use, particularly when it involves medications known to be associated with cognitive side effects, can increase the risk of developing substance-induced dementia.
Alcohol-Related Dementia
Alcohol-related dementia is a specific subtype of substance-induced dementia. Alcohol-related dementia is considered a type of alcohol-related brain damage. Someone with this may struggle with day-to-day tasks caused by regular and excessive drinking over many years. The damage destroys nerve cells that you need to control your thoughts and body movements. Over time, this damage can impair memory, judgment, coordination, and emotional regulation. Alcohol-related dementia is progressive, which means it will get more severe over time unless you stop drinking.
Key symptoms of alcohol-related dementia may include:
- Memory issues and confusion
- Difficulty learning and processing new information
- Irritability or mood changes
- Challenges with balance and motor skills
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
One severe form of alcohol-related dementia is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS). It is sometimes called “wet brain syndrome” and is a brain disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, most commonly due to overconsumption of alcohol.
WKS consists of two stages:
- Wernicke encephalopathy, a sudden and severe (acute) brain disorder
- Korsakoff syndrome, a long-term (chronic) memory disorder. WKS can lead to confusion, loss of muscle control, vision problems, and severe memory issues.
While WKS is not curable, treatment can help slow or reverse symptoms. Some treatment options include:
- Vitamin B1 tablets or injection.
- IV fluids
- Alcohol use disorder treatment
- Nutritional support
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances due to changes in metabolism and increased sensitivity to medications or alcohol. Some seniors can also unintentionally misuse prescriptions, increasing their risk of cognitive decline.
What Can Be Done?
1. Early Detection and Diagnosis
If you or a loved one notices memory problems, confusion, or changes in behavior, it’s important to notify your doctor and receive an evaluation. Substance-related cognitive issues may be partially reversible if caught early and the substance use is addressed.
2. Treatment and Support
Treatment may involve:
- Stopping substance use under medical supervision
- Nutritional supplements
- Support groups and counseling
3. Prevention and Wellness
- Moderate alcohol consumption (or none, if advised by your doctor)
- Proper medication management
- Staying active
- Regular doctor check-ups
While dementia can be overwhelming, it’s important to know that substance-induced dementia, especially when linked to alcohol, can often be slowed or partially reversed with prompt action.
Protecting your brain health is an important part of aging well and ensuring a long, happy, and healthy life.
For more senior resources, check out our website for informative and educational content as well as hand-picked businesses in the Central Texas area that we recommend!
Our goal is and will always be to make Central Texas the best place for seniors to age.
Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling
References:
Alzheimer’s Society. (n.d.). Alcohol-related dementia. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alcohol-related-dementia
Alzheimer’s Society. (n.d.). What is dementia?. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/what-is-dementia
Ambrosia Treatment Center. (n.d.). Drug-induced dementia: Symptoms, causes, treatment & prognosis. https://www.ambrosiatc.com/drug-induced-dementia/#:~:text=Drug%2Dinduced%20dementia%20is%20characterized,as%20it%20can%20be%20reversed
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Alcohol-related dementia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/alcohol-related-dementia
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22687-wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome