What Is Alcoholic Dementia?
By: Lakeview Health
Published: December 7, 2019

If you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism, you may be wondering about the causes, signs, and symptoms of alcoholic dementia. This condition can be debilitating, and it can be hard to accept that you may on that will lead to alcoholic dementia. At Lakeview Health, we’re here to help you get your life back on track. We understand asking for help isn’t easy. But we’re glad you’re beginning to research treatment options to get your life back on track.

Causes Of Alcoholic Dementia

When you consume alcohol in excess over long periods, it has a detrimental effect on the frontal lobe of the brain. The physicality of the lobe changes, causing impairments in judgment, thinking, and processing. One type of alcoholic dementia is ‘wet brain,’ a somewhat outdated term used in the past to describe a decline in cognitive functioning after years of alcohol abuse.

It can be hard to diagnose alcoholic dementia, as it’s symptoms are very similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease. Alcoholic dementia is reversible when caught early. If you think that you or a loved one may have alcoholic dementia, you must seek treatment as soon as possible.

Alcoholic Dementia: Signs & Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of alcoholic dementia, and the disease can present differently from person to person. Several factors play a role in how alcoholic dementia presents. Some factors include other mental health issues, the length of time of alcohol use, whether drug use is a factor, and the level of cognition at the start of alcohol use.

Possible signs and symptoms of alcoholic dementia may include:

  • Memory impairment, even during times when alcohol use is not a factor
  • Language impairment during sober periods
  • Disturbance in planning for the future
  • Disturbance in executing plans vital to well-being, such as remembering to go to a doctor’s appointment
  • Failure to recognize people, places, or things that would be familiar to a person with normal cognitive functioning

Ready To Make The Change?

If you’re concerned with your drinking, or you’re worried about the drinking habits of a loved one, Lakeview Health can help. We’re here to help you get your life back. We understand that each of our clients is a unique individual with a history of addiction. We create personalized treatment programs helping you that make sense for your unique body chemistry, history, and preferences. When you come to Lakeview Health for treatment, first, you’ll meet with your counselor. You’ll work together to create a plan that makes sense for you.

We offer several different treatment options at Lakeview Health, including:

Call Lakeview Health

At Lakeview Health, we know that it’s not an easy decision to reach out for help. We’re proud of you for researching the long term effects of alcohol use, including alcoholic dementia. You may be seeing a course that you don’t want your life to take. No matter how far gone you or your loved one may be, we believe in your ability to get your life back on track. Recovery is possible, and it’s up to you to take the first step.

If you’re ready to make the change, contact Lakeview Health today. Our caring admissions staff will give you more information on our programs, helping you decide if what we offer is a good fit for your needs. There’s no pressure – just information to help you make decisions about your future. Recovery is possible, and we can help. Don’t waste one more day living a life that’s anything less than what you want for your future.