Memory problems and confusion aren’t always signs of dementia. They can also be caused by stress, poor mental health, nutritional deficiencies or long-term alcohol misuse. In this article, we explain the differences between alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) and dementia, including their causes, symptoms and treatment options.
People who experience long-term alcohol misuse may be at a higher risk of developing alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). This condition shares many symptoms with dementia but has a different underlying cause.
It’s really important to understand the differences between the two. ARBD can improve with appropriate treatment, particularly when diagnosed early. In contrast, most forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are progressive and cannot currently be reversed.
For those dealing with ARBD, one of the most effective treatment routes is specialist addiction treatment, which helps people on their path to long-term recovery.
What is alcohol related brain damage (ARBD)?
Alcohol related brain damage is a term used to describe impairments caused by long-term heavy drinking habits. These impairments can be cognitive, emotional or physical, and can affect people’s lives in many different ways.
Long-term heavy drinking can damage the brain in several ways. Alcohol itself is toxic to brain cells, while many people who drink heavily also develop a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), which the brain needs to function properly. Together, these factors can damage brain tissue and affect memory, thinking, balance and coordination, leading to alcohol-related brain damage.
One of the most serious alcohol-related conditions is Wernicke’s encephalopathy, a medical emergency caused by severe thiamine deficiency. Without urgent treatment, it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, which causes lasting memory problems and forms part of what’s known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Who is most at risk of ARBD?
Anyone who drinks heavily over a prolonged period can develop ARBD, although some people are at greater risk than others.
- Those with chronic alcohol use and poor diet
- Binge drinkers
- People with long-standing alcohol dependence
- Those aged between 40 and 60
- ARBD has been diagnosed more frequently in men, although increasing rates of alcohol misuse mean it affects women as well
- Those with a severe thiamine deficiency
- Those with co-occurring medical issues
- Those who experience social deprivation
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, language, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. These can interfere with daily life and a person’s independent functioning.
Other common types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia. If you suspect dementia in yourself or a loved one, you should schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.
Dementia is a disease that progresses over time, meaning that in the beginning it can look like small episodes of forgetfulness. Over time, it can progress to more severe cases of memory loss.
Can alcohol cause dementia?
Long-term heavy drinking does not directly cause Alzheimer’s disease. However, it can increase the risk of alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). It may contribute to vascular dementia by increasing the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke. If memory problems are linked to alcohol misuse, it’s important to seek a professional assessment, as ARBD requires a different treatment approach.
“Not all memory loss is the same, but understanding what’s behind it can open the door to the right kind of help.” – Tina McCoy, Service Manager at Acquiesce Rehab
Symptoms that ARBD and dementia have in common
Memory loss
In ARBD, memory concerns can begin as short-term memory loss, while long-term memory can often remain unaffected.
In dementia, the disease can begin with short-term memory loss and progress to more severe loss of longer-term memories as well.
Confusion
In ARBD, vitamin deficiencies can lead to confusion. This is not only driven by alcohol consumption, but also by a person’s nutrition.
In dementia, individuals are likely to experience a gradual decline in orientation, making confusion more likely when identifying people and places.
Difficulty concentrating
In ARBD, the long-term alcohol exposure can impair attention, concentration and information processing.
In dementia, people may experience a weakening in processing speeds, which can disrupt communication between brain networks.
Problems with planning and organisation
Long-term alcohol misuse commonly affects the frontal lobes, which are responsible for planning, decision-making and impulse control. This can make organising tasks or multitasking more difficult.
In dementia, people experience a decline in executive skills, making routine processes like cooking or managing finances more challenging over time.
Changes in mood or behaviour
In ARBD, individuals can experience a higher level of aggression or emotional volatility as a result of damage to the brain and addiction cycles.
Those with dementia may experience increased anxiety, depression or personality shifts which alter the brain’s emotional control centre.
Some symptoms are more commonly found with those experiencing ARBD, including a history of heavy alcohol use, poor nutrition, balance and coordination difficulties, as well as additional symptoms developing alongside alcohol dependence. Read about the impact of alcohol on relationships.
Can alcohol related brain damage be reversed?
Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, some people with ARBD can experience partial or significant recovery, particularly when the condition is diagnosed early and treated with complete abstinence from alcohol, thiamine replacement and nutritional support. However, recovery varies from person to person, and some cognitive impairments may be permanent. Treatment typically includes:
- Abstaining from alcohol completely
- Early diagnosis
- Prompt treatment with thiamine
- Good nutrition and balanced diet
- Ongoing rehabilitation and support
There is no one quick fix for reversing ARBD. It requires a lot of commitment from the individual and, most importantly, time. Individuals may reverse the damage over several months, but for others, reversing the damage may not be possible. Read more about how increased alcohol tolerance affects a person.
How addiction treatment supports ARBD recovery
Addiction support can come in many forms, and the best option for you depends on the severity of the addiction. A professional will ask for detailed medical history and more information on your alcohol intake. They may also perform blood tests and brain scans.
Excessive drinking can cause physical alcohol dependence, meaning that a person is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they no longer have the substance in their body. If a person experiences physical dependence, they should not stop drinking alcohol altogether, as this can be life-threatening.
Instead, they should contact a detox centre. Where appropriate, we can arrange or coordinate medically supervised alcohol detoxification before residential rehabilitation begins. A medical detox may also provide nutritional support and ensure thiamine replacement.
Following detoxification, many people benefit from a structured residential rehabilitation programme that addresses both alcohol dependence and long-term recovery.
Acquiesce is a residential rehab centre located in Bolton. We provide personalised treatment plans and high levels of care. We have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC on two consecutive visits, something which no other rehab provider in England has achieved.
As part of your treatment plan, we work closely with you to identify triggers and find healthier ways of dealing with them.
We work with you on psychological therapies, relapse prevention planning and a strong aftercare plan. Once you complete the transformative journey of Acquiesce, you’ll gain access to our exclusive member’s area with a community of like-minded individuals, where you can share successes and challenges. You will also have a direct contact number for your practitioner, who you can call any time. We will also complete regular check-ins with you.
Treating alcohol addiction with rehabilitation is an essential part of protecting your brain health and preventing further damage.
Although some damage may be permanent, many people experience improvements in memory and cognitive function when treatment begins early, and they remain abstinent from alcohol.
When to seek professional help
You should seek support from a qualified professional if you experience any of the side effects listed below.
- Memory problems combined with heavy alcohol use
- Increased confusion
- Personality or behavioural changes
- Difficulty managing everyday tasks
- Repeated falls or poor coordination
Although ARBD and dementia can share similar symptoms, they are different conditions with different treatment pathways. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, some people with ARBD experience partial or significant improvement in their symptoms when they stop drinking alcohol and receive appropriate medical treatment, including thiamine replacement and rehabilitation.
Seeking help as early as possible gives you the best chance of protecting your brain health and improving your quality of life.
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory problems alongside long-term alcohol use, seeking professional help early can make a significant difference. Our friendly team is here to provide confidential advice and discuss the treatment options available to you. Contact us today.
