Dementia is typically a mental disorder that causes a person’s memory to deteriorate over time. While this is more commonly a genetic disorder that is passed down from one generation to the next (if your parents or grandparents suffered from dementia you are at greater risk), there are external factors that can bring about dementia. Alcohol, for example, is one external variable that, when introduced to the body, can eventually lead to what is known as alcoholic dementia. Some are more susceptible to this kind of disorder than others. However, whatever your family background, if you are currently experiencing problems with your memory and are abusing alcohol, now is as good of a time to stop as there ever will be.
What Causes Alcoholic Dementia
This is a situation that is brought about due to excessive drinking. Typically the excessive drinking needs to take place over the course of years. Slowly, the alcohol alters the way your brain permanently functions, which leads to the loss of certain memories and the struggle to maintain new ones.
Alcoholic dementia can lead to problems developing new cognitive skills, or learning in general. Often (although not always), alcoholic dementia can lead to the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (which in itself is two different disorders). When this happens it causes damage to several parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus and thalamus. These are the areas of the brain dedicated to forming new memories. Due to this, when the areas are damaged you’ll struggle to remember anything from new events, names dates to driving directions or even how to perform basic tasks.
Symptoms Of Alcoholic Dementia
There are several symptoms you need to keep an eye out for. If you’re struggling to remember and people are constantly reminding you then it might already be a sign that you are suffering from some memory loss issues. Other symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- Double vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Confusion
- Abnormal eye movements (such as your eyes shifting back and forth)
- Hallucinations
- Making up stories because you can’t remember the true story
Further Problems Stemming From Alcoholic Dementia
If you continue on with your current alcohol consumption even after the demonstrated signs of possible alcoholic dementia you put yourself at greater risk for other problems as well. Some of the issues you might suffer from, in addition to alcohol-fueled dementia, include:
- A shortened life span
- Permanent loss of certain thinking skills
- Greater chance of injuring yourself due to falling
- Problems with social interactions
- Permanent alcoholic neuropathy
- Permanent loss of memory.
Several secondary issues can enhance your dementia. These are other health problems that, when combined with alcohol, will lead to more serious health conditions. Some of these secondary issues that will enhance your alcohol dementia include:
- Cancer
- Kidney dialysis
- Anorexia
- Fasting
- Weight loss surgery
- AIDS
- Chronic infections
All of this is an indicator that you need to do what you can to stop drinking and take back your health.
Seek Help With Alcohol Addiction
There are plenty of reasons why you should pursue a life of sobriety. It improves the overall quality of your health. You’ll spend less time feeling hungover with more time to enjoy time with friends and family. You’ll save money, and you’ll avoid some of the alcohol-related illnesses that stem from extensive alcohol consumption, including alcoholic dementia. One of the best ways to successfully transition into a life of sobriety is with the help of a caring rehab center. At Oceanfront Recovery, that is exactly what you have access to. The knowledgable, helpful staff, is here for you. All you need to do is take the next step and give Oceanfront Recovery a call at 877.296.7477 today.
