Dementia is a term used to describe a range of symptoms affecting the brain which can affect people differently. Symptoms may include memory, language loss, and ability to do everyday tasks.
These words cannot really describe the cruelty and pain of dementia where the person you love gradually disappears and is replaced by a stranger who needs 24 hour assistance. Helping to care for my own Mother who has Alzheimer’s is really challenging and I now totally understand the meaning of “Burn out”.
I’ve often come home, really wanting to drown my sorrows in a few bottles of beer. The only thing that stops me, is the certainty I will have a massive handover the next day. (I’m a lightweight when it comes to drinking!)
People wore black for a year
In the old days, in some groups, people wore black for a year and kept the window blinds down to indicate they had suffered a bereavement. I sometimes wish this tradition existed for people caring for a loved one with dementia as it would make life easier. No more door to door salespeople ringing the doorbell when I’m struggling to get my Mother changed. My Mother’s hearing is acute and she always insist on the door been answered. A single doorbell can add another 30 minutes to the personal care routine. Both my Mother and her (late) Mother have dementia. So I’m very interested in avoiding it, if I can.
Risk factors for developing dementia
There are many different risk factors for developing dementia. Some of these can be controlled for example, high cholesterol. Other factors can’t be controlled -for example genetic factors. (That’s me in trouble)
Generally it appears that a good diet, exercise, close friendships, an active life using your brain all help to reduce the risk of dementia. (Does writing blog posts count as using your brain?)
Is alcohol a risk factor for dementia?
Research indicates a definite YES. Alcohol is a risk factor for dementia. Studies show heavy drinking can increase your risk of developing dementia. Yet another reason to cut back on your drinking.
One dementia type commonly caused by alcohol abuse
There’s even one specific type of dementia called Korsakoff’s syndrome which often occurs in people drinking too much alcohol. There is evidence it is often confused with other dementias and is under diagnosed in older people.
Korsakoff’s syndrome
Korsakoff’s syndrome most commonly occurs in people drinking too much alcohol. It can also be caused by Aids, and various other factors such as poor nutrition. A lack of vitamin B1 is thought to cause Korsakoff’s syndrome. So people drinking heavily may reduce their risk by taking vitamin B1. (Please consult your doctor if in doubt)
One in eight people who are physically dependent on alcohol may develop Korsakoff’s syndrome and the number of people with Korsakoff’s syndrome seems to be increasing.
Risk factors for Korsakoff’s syndrome
You are more likely to be at risk of developing Korsakoff’s syndrome if
- You have been drinking in a harmful way for 5 or more years.
- You are drinking 28 or more standard drinks per week on a regular basis.
- You have had frequent ‘memory blackouts’ while drinking.
- You are over the age of 35.
- You have had alcohol-related liver damage.
- You have had many alcohol withdrawals or detoxes.
- You binge drink regularly.
- You don’t eat enough while drinking.
- You have been admitted to hospital because of your drinking.
Can Korsakoff’s syndrome be reversed?
Unlike many dementias which continue to progress, Korsakoff syndrome can be reversed.
If a person remains alcohol free and has a good diet, then the majority of people will see some improvement. This can happen over a period of months or up to two years.
- 25% of people will make a full recovery,
- 25% of people will make a significant recovery,
- 25% will make a partial recovery.
- 25% of people will make no recovery and will have permanent difficulties.
The extent of the recovery may depend on the quality and availability of specialist rehabilitation services. In Ireland, services can be difficult to find. You can find a website on services here.
Younger people have a better chance of recovery.
For more about Korsakoff’s syndrome, click here to go to the Alcohol Action forum guide. .
If you’d like to find out more about reducing alcohol harm, our short free mini course may help. Click here for details.
Finally, if you’re worried about your drinking, you can check if you have a problem here.
