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Drinking and Dementia in the Orlando, Florida Area

There was an interesting article in Preserving Your Memory Magazine/Summer 2022 Fisher Centers for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation titled “Drinking and Dementia: Is There a Link?” by Haley Shapley. The author states that most of us know that alcohol consumption comes with health risks. But, she asks, is a greater risk for dementia one of them?

Current Research

The author states that researchers have long strived to understand how alcohol affects the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The author states that while research continues, one thing is clear: Drinking a lot of alcohol increases your chances for cognitive decline. The author states that alcohol use can contribute to brain damage in several ways: Alcohol has toxic effects on the brain cells. Repeated episodes of intoxicants put stress on the body. It can lead to conditions that disrupt blood flow to the brain. Drunkenness can lead to head injuries. 

Korsakoff Syndrome

The author states that research has not yet determined exactly how drinking relates to Alzheimer’s disease. However, heavy drinking has been identified as a cause of one type of dementia called Korsakoff syndrome. Although a variety of factors can lead to Korsakoff syndrome, alcohol misuse is the most common cause. Korsakoff syndrome occurs when the brain does not get enough vitamin B1, leaving its cells without the energy they need to work properly. Scientists do not know why this B1 deficiency happens in some people who drink heavily and not others, but studies have shown that a severe shortage of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, has negative impact on the biochemicals involved in storing and retrieving memories. 

Moderate Alcohol Use

What about moderate alcohol use? The author discussed that too. The author states that some research suggests that people who drink moderately are actually at a decreased risk of dementia. The author states that a 2020 review of several studies found that individuals who consumed a small to moderate amount of alcohol showed lower odds for certain dementias than those who did not drink at all. However, she states that moderate drinking should not be considered protection against dementia. 

Conclusion

So, are you or your loved one increasing dementia risk by consuming too much alcohol? The author states there are two main types of drinking that are considered excessive. One is binge drinking. The CDC defines this as when you have four or more drinks during one occasion if you are a woman or five or more drinks if you are a man. The other type of excessive drinking is called heavy drinking. This is eight drinks or more per week for women and fifteen drinks or more for men. It’s too soon to say definitively if this will cause dementia, but it’s a possibility to consider.

If you have more questions regarding an Elder Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.