3g. Substance Abuse Induced Dementia
When a person misuses alcohol, they may experience alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). This is a type of substance abuse-induced dementia that generally affects people between the ages of 40-50.
Use the image below to learn more about ARBD.
Is ARBD different from dementia?
- Unlike progressive dementias, ARBD does not always get worse over time
- A patient may be able to recover fully or partially if they stop drinking alcohol and receive support
What are the causes of ARBD?
- ARBD is caused when a person regularly or binge-drinks more than the recommended limit of alcohol over several years
How does ARBD damage the brain?
- Too much alcohol can be toxic to nerve cells
- Brain cells die and the brain tissue can shrink
- Excessive alcohol can also damage blood cells, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke
- Too much alcohol prevents the body from getting enough thiamine (vitamin B1)
- Vitamin B1 is crucial for the brain to work properly
What are other impacts of drinking too much?
- Drinking alcohol can impair a person’s vision, motor skills, and judgment
- People who drink too much alcohol have a higher risk of falling and hitting their head, or getting injured in a fight
- These factors can also lead to significant brain damage
How is ARBD treated?
- In many cases, a person with ARBD will also be addicted to alcohol
- Treatment can be difficult, as the person will need to be treated for their addiction alongside the symptoms of ARBD