Every November, The Alzheimer’s Association seeks to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. By raising awareness, The Association aims to accelerate global research, promote risk reduction, support early detection, and maximize the quality of care and support for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.
At Golden Gate Recovery, we are committed to not only supporting individuals who are struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD) but also empowering individuals with information on the relationship between Alzheimer’s and alcohol.
Can alcohol cause Alzheimer’s? Truth is, the link between alcohol abuse and Alzheimer’s may surprise you. Equipped with the right information, though, you can make informed decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption and its effects on your mind and body.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. As Alzheimer’s progresses, it leads to severe impairment in memory and communication and eventually causes difficulties with daily tasks. Moreover, it is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, according to The Alzheimer’s Association.
While Alzheimer’s is most commonly found in older populations, it is not considered a normal part of aging. On average, adults with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are 65 years old or oldAgingging is considered to be the highest risk factor for the disease because of this. However, 5% of cases are early-onset Alzheimer’s that happen before the age of 65 and can affect individuals as young as 30 years old.
Since Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, it worsens over time. On average, an Alzeihmer’s diagnosis leads to an individual’s death within four to eight years. In some cases, however, individuals may live up to 20 years after diagnosis.
Memory problems are one of the most prominent and well-known of Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, other behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms might be present as well. The following are the most common signs of Alzheimer’s in its different stages:
Alzheimer’s begins in the part of the brain that is in charge of learning. It then progresses to the part that manages language, reasoning, and social behavior. In the final stages of the disease, Alzheimer’s affects essential bodily functions.
It is common for adults with Alzheimer’s to not recognize that they are showing symptoms. Usually, it is more apparent to those around them. As a result, it is vital to be vigilant and look for signs in loved ones who may be at risk.
While alcohol abuse does not directly cause Alzheimer’s Disease, it has been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease. According to research conducted by the National Institute on Aging, heavy drinking may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 5 times. This is because long-term alcohol consumption can cause damage to brain cells, leading to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Therefore, timely and effective alcohol abuse treatment in California is essential for those who engage in heavy drinking to mitigate these risks.
Furthermore, binge drinking has also been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. Binge drinking refers to consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period, typically defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men in two hours. This pattern of drinking can cause spikes in blood alcohol levels, leading to brain damage and increased risk of Alzheimer’s.
Alcohol abuse has long been linked to memory loss and cognitive impairment. You are probably familiar with the concept of a blackout or a hazy memory after a night of drinking. Even if you haven’t experienced this yourself, many movies and TV shows depict this scenario. These occurrences are not just limited to fantasy though, as consuming too much alcohol can truly impair your memory.
According to research by the Frontiers Research Foundation, binge drinking can lead to long-term damage to the hippocampus, which is responsible for learning and memory. Over time, this damage can contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to brain inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s.
While excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to the brain in general, studies have shown that women are more likely than men to develop memory problems as a result of alcohol abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when women drink they absorb more alcohol and take longer to metabolize it. Due to the physiological differences and hormonal fluctuations between men and women, women’s brains are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol.
In general, women are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s in the first place. This is due to women having a greater life expectancy than men do. This leaves women vulnerable to the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease which is aging. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.
While women may be at greater risk, it is essential to note, that both men and women are at risk for developing Alzheimer’s due to alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, since men’s life expectancy is shorter, it is difficult to know if men of the same age would also suffer from the same rates of Alzheimer’s Disease as women. Regrettably, there is also little study on people who are transgender and intersex making statistics regarding rates of Alzheimer’s also unclear. Therefore, everyone must be aware of the potential risks and take precautions when it comes to alcohol consumption.
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Dr. Small’s professional experience encompasses General Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry and Family Medicine. As the founder of Headlands Addiction Treatment Services, Dr. Small and his team have become leaders in the delivery of addiction medicine and psychiatry to treatment programs throughout California and beyond. These compassionate services are reliable, responsive, personable, and evidenced based. Most of the team providers carry multiple board certifications in psychiatry, addiction medicine and family medicine. They recruit the best and brightest addiction medicine professionals to deliver the highest level of treatment.
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