Experts Explain the Link Between Alcoholism and Dementia

Learn about the relationship between alcoholism and dementia — and how to reduce your risk.

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It’s no secret that excessive alcohol consumption can hurt a person’s physical and mental health. But, less discussed is the fact that drinking alcohol excessively can also cause cognitive impairment and an increased dementia risk.

While there’s currently no way to fully prevent developing dementia, living with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a critical risk factor. How does one affect the other? Below, we break down the facts about AUD, dementia, and their relationship.

What is alcohol use disorder?

Commonly known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, AUD is a condition that develops when a person regularly consumes large quantities of alcohol, or binge drinks, to a point they can’t control, and that interferes with their day-to-day life. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), symptoms of AUD include:

• Drinking more alcohol or over a longer period than originally intended
• Unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control alcohol use
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol
• Drinking that interferes with responsibilities at home, at work, or at school
• Continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems with family and friends
• Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
• Repeatedly using alcohol in physically hazardous situations
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol
• Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, restlessness, nausea, or sweating after stopping or reducing drinking

The APA states that experiencing at least two of these alcohol intake symptoms in the past year can indicate a person might be living with AUD. It adds that about 11% of adults lived with AUD in the last year.

What is dementia?

Dementia refers to when a person struggles to make decisions, think clearly, and remember things, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s, which can cause difficulty speaking or writing and changes in mood, among other symptoms. The condition can impact a range of areas, which can create cognitive deficits, including:

• Memory
• Attention
• Communication
• Judgment
• Vision

The CDC provides examples of dementia symptoms, such as getting lost somewhere familiar, forgetting loved ones’ names, and referring to objects by different names. It further reports that about 6.9 million (10.9%) of Americans aged 65-plus experience dementia.

How does AUD impact dementia symptoms?

Studies have shown that living with AUD can increase a person’s risk of dementia, with AUD contributing to dementia in a variety of ways. For starters, Charlie Health Group Facilitator Nicole Lonano, MS, notes that regular alcohol consumption can increase reactive oxygen species, which can then damage cells and increase the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases.

Lonano adds that AUD can also accelerate brain aging, contributing to the risk of dementia.

Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Courtney Way, MA, LCAT, notes that long-term alcohol use can also increase the likelihood of conditions such as liver disease and heart problems, contributing to cognitive decline.

“The connection between alcoholism and dementia is not meant to shame — it’s meant to empower,” says Charlie Health Group Facilitator Bree Williams, LPCA. “The brain has a remarkable capacity for healing, especially when alcohol use is reduced or stopped earlier in life. Many people experience cognitive improvement after sustained sobriety.”

Treatment options for AUD

From Alcoholics Anonymous to undergoing an alcohol detox under medical supervision, there are a number of options available to reduce alcohol misuse.

1. Medication-assisted treatment

In some cases, a medical professional might recommend medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, says Charlie Health Contemplative Practitioner Tairesha “Sunflower” Flemister, LMSW. Potential medications include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, says Lonano.

2. Therapy

Individual and group therapy can provide incredible support for people living with AUD. As Williams explains, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy, and more can help people identify triggers and form healthy coping mechanisms.

3. Support groups

Speaking with and hearing from people who are also living with AUD can be of tremendous benefit, says Lonano. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and more can provide a safe, understanding space.

4. Long-term programs

Both intensive outpatient and inpatient programs can be great resources for individuals who live with AUD, says Williams.

5. Medical detox

In some instances, a person might require a medical detox, such as if they have severe or unsafe withdrawal symptoms, says Williams. This process involves removing alcohol use under the guidance of a medical professional, such as at an inpatient program.

Ways to reduce the risk of dementia

Dementia is not entirely preventable, but there are steps a person can take to potentially lower their risk. According to Lonano and Way, in addition to limiting alcohol consumption, individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of dementia, such as:

• Being active
• Engaging socially and cognitively
• Doing creative activities
• Getting regular, good sleep
• Managing chronic conditions — both physical and mental health
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Monitoring cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure and diabetes

The CDC adds that hearing is another important factor. Research has shown that hearing loss can not only cause people to socialize less but also make the brain work harder, in turn reducing the brain’s resources for thinking and memory. Treating hearing loss might help limit a person’s risk of developing dementia.

“AUD increases dementia risk, but early intervention matters,” says Flemister. “The brain has a degree of neuroplasticity — meaning some cognitive function can improve when alcohol use is reduced, and the nervous system is allowed to stabilize.”

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including programs for substance use disorder. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing excessive alcohol consumption is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.