4 Stages of Alcoholic Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

October 18, 2024 | News | Reading Time 12:00 Minutes

Long-term alcohol abuse can take its toll. Chronic alcohol users often experience neurological, biological, and behavioral changes that can culminate in what’s called alcohol dementia.

Similar to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome — and often referred to as alcohol dementia for short — alcohol dementia can turn the person you once knew into a shell of their former self.

Families of seniors and older adults: if you or a loved one have lived with excessive alcohol use or an alcohol use disorder, all is not lost.

Know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With the right level of care, prevention measures, and knowledge, you and/or your loved one can live and sustain a quality of life despite living with alcoholic dementia.

Curious to know how? Join us!

We’re Village Walk, Patchogue, NY’s trusted caregivers. For more than 30 years, our caregivers have provided comprehensive and complete assisted living and memory care solutions for older adults.

In this comprehensive think piece, we’ll give a high-level overview of alcohol-related dementia, including  causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures, so that you can make the best decisions possible for your and your loved one’s health.

Alcoholic dementia: a definition

Alcoholic dementia is a form of dementia that occurs as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. This progressive neurological disorder affects cognitive functioning, memory, and overall brain health.

Sustained alcohol consumption leads to alcohol-related brain damage, which results in cognitive impairments. When cognitive impairment is sustained over time as a result of excessive alcohol use, dementia symptoms can develop.

Primary causes of alcoholic dementia

With that in mind, alcohol dementia is different from other forms of dementia. Compared to vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia, dementia symptoms are a result of alcohol consumption, not necessarily disrupted blood flow or abnormal deposits of protein to the brain.

While some symptoms of alcohol-related dementia are similar to that of other forms of dementia and memory loss, excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of the damaging effects to areas in the brain responsible for memory, learning, and other key cognitive processes.

Risk factors for contracting alcoholic dementia

With alcohol use disorders, certain factors can increase a person’s chance of contracting alcoholic dementia, including:

• Excessive alcohol consumption: While sustained binge drinking has decreased over the last four decades, excessive alcohol consumption is a common risk factor associated with alcohol dementia.
• Sustained alcohol consumption: Many research studies show that sustained heavy drinking is related to an increased risk of inheriting a dementia diagnosis.
• Genes: some people are more predisposed to experiencing brain damage and contracting alcohol-related dementia as a result of chronic alcohol abuse.
• Behavioral predisposition: some people are more likely than others to abuse alcohol. Age, health, propensity for substance use, and personality can influence the risk of developing dementia caused by alcohol.

Depending on the treatment program or assisted care facility, caregivers can help a person manage the symptoms of alcohol misuse.

At Village Walk, our caregivers are trained to help slow the progression of alcoholic dementia. Our “Meet Me Where I Am” program addresses the physical and mental health challenges and severe memory loss issues associated with alcohol-related dementia.

We create a shared space that enhances the quality of life for those who have or continue to experience significant decline so that we can better support those experiencing alcoholic dementia.

Speaking of alcoholic dementia, let’s take a look at the various stages of this progressive condition.

The 4 stages of alcoholic dementia

For those with alcohol-related dementia, clear and compassionate communication, simplified conversations, and a calm, reassuring environment are what patients need most throughout each of the four stages of alcoholic dementia.

At Village Walk, our caregivers are trained to provide a safe environment for healing and treatment for each of the four stages of dementia. The four stages include:

1. Mild cognitive impairment (stage 1)
2. Early-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 2)
3. Mid-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 3)
4. Late-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 4)

We’ll discuss each in greater detail in the sections below.

1. Mild cognitive impairment (stage 1)

In stage one, patients may experience subtle changes in memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Most people won’t notice these changes, but close family and friends may observe slight differences in cognitive functioning.

People in stage one can still perform daily activities and maintain independence without much need for help with activities of daily living.

2. Early-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 2)

With stage two, signs and symptoms of alcoholic dementia become more apparent. Memory loss makes remembering familiar faces and places a challenge. People in stage two may have difficulties concentrating or making decisions, which can impact daily life.

In stage two, people with alcohol-related dementia often need professional help to complete daily tasks.

3. Mid-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 3)

As the condition becomes more severe, disorientation and cognitive impairments increase. Patients experience significant cognitive decline and memory loss, making remembering familiar faces and places challenging.

Alcohol-related dementia patients may experience more confusion, disorientation, and challenges with communicating. Some of the emotional and behavioral changes include increased irritability, agitation, and mood swings.

4. Late-stage alcoholic dementia (stage 4)

Stage four is the most advanced stage of alcoholic dementia. Patients in stage four may not be able to recognize themselves or their loved ones. Patients in this stage may continue to see personality changes, lose the ability to speak, and may see their physical health decline.

In stage four, the goal is to slow the detrimental effects of the condition from progressing. Whether you’re being mindful of how you speak to a senior with dementia or are helping a senior stave off the worst of their condition, caregivers should provide comfort and compassionate caregiving in the fourth stage of alcoholic dementia.

Common dementia symptoms of alcoholic dementia

Recognizing the symptoms early on is essential to prevent further progression of alcoholic dementia. Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol-related dementia includes:

• Memory loss: patients with alcoholic dementia experience short-term memory loss; they may forget conversations, where they placed common household items, or recent events.
• Impairments in judgment: excessive drinking can affect skills such as decision-making, logical reasoning, problem-solving, and other key brain functions.
• Decreased attention: another way that alcoholic dementia affects the brain is by sapping a person of their ability to concentrate, follow conversations, or complete routine tasks.
• Issues with language and communication: one of the long-term effects of alcohol dementia besides having memory lapses and difficulties with concentration is the breakdown of language and communication. People with alcohol dementia often have trouble finding the right words, expressing cogent thoughts, and understanding multi-step instructions.
• Behavioral changes: Korsakoff’s syndrome, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and other alcohol-related dementia conditions can affect a person’s core sense of self. People living with these conditions may demonstrate more emotional instability, irritability, depression, anxiety, or apathy. Many patients also exhibit impulsivity or aggression as well.

Taking care of a person living with alcohol dementia can be a challenge. With the right treatments, navigating the journey can be more manageable for all parties involved.

To better serve both the patient’s and caregiver’s needs, we’ll take a look at how to diagnose and treat alcoholic dementia to improve the quality of life of all parties involved.

Diagnosis and treatment for alcoholic dementia

Besides having the patient stop drinking, start taking medication, and start participating in therapy and counseling, recognizing the signs of alcoholic dementia is the first step in managing alcohol-related dementia.

A reminder: the most common signs of alcoholic dementia are memory loss, impaired judgment, language and communication issues, impaired motor skills, and potential behavioral or personality changes.

In our modern day and age, we can now better manage dementia through early detection and intervention.

To diagnose alcoholic dementia, a healthcare professional — such as a neurologist or geriatrician — will conduct a thorough assessment of the person to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms (and what’s causing memory problems).

The initial healthcare assessment includes:

• A medical history check
• Physical exam
• Cognitive assessments
• Lab tests

Depending on each case, a healthcare provider may order a brain scan and/or more diagnostic tests to better evaluate the nature of the damage to the brain caused by the condition.

Finally, after the results come back, the healthcare provider will lay out treatment options. In many cases, the healthcare provider may even recommend an inpatient or outpatient acute or subacute rehabilitation program to better support the patient and their family.

Though dementia may inexorably change a person’s way of life, early detection and intervention can help a person live with comfort and dignity for the journey ahead.

Did you know?

Many people think that Alzheimer’s and dementia are the same. People often use the terms interchangeably.

However, there are distinctions between the two. It’s important for effective treatment and management to know these differences.

Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch support and care for seniors and their families impacted by this disease. To see how we help those living with dementia, browse photos of some of our exciting and eclectic activities here at Village Green.

Table: Alcohol-related vs. vascular vs. Lewy body dementia

	Causes	Symptoms	Treatment and Prevention
Alcohol-related dementia	– Excessive alcohol intake – A diet deficient in thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1)	– Memory loss and lapses – Problems with focus and concentration – Issues with executive functioning such as problem-solving, planning, goal-setting, decision-making, and organizing. – Emotional and behavioral changes in personality – Balance issues	– Medications like rivastigmine or memantine to manage the worst of the symptoms – Physical therapy and counseling – Abstaining from alcohol
Vascular dementia	– Conditions — like stroke, brain hemorrhages, and narrowed blood vessels — which reduce the brain’s ability to supply itself with needed nutrition and oxygen	– Confusion – Trouble paying attention – Issues with executive functioning – Restlessness and agitation – Unsteady gait – Incontinence issues – Mood changes	– Medications – Maintaining a healthy blood pressure – Limiting alcohol – Controlling for diabetes – Abstaining from smoking – Regular exercise – Keeping cholesterol in check – Eating a healthy, nutrient-rich, and balanced diet
Lewy body dementia	– Buildups of proteins into larger masses known as Lewy bodies – Plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease	– Issues with movement – Poor regulation of body functions – Hallucinations Issues with cognition, executive functioning, and attention – Sleep issues Mood changes (such as depression and apathy)	– Medications – Parkinson’s disease medicines

Village Green: support for seniors with alcohol use disorders

In sum, the four stages of alcohol-related dementia are as follows:

• Stage 1: Mild cognitive impairment
• Stage 2: Early-stage alcoholic dementia
• Stage 3: Mid-stage alcoholic dementia
• Stage 4: Late-stage alcoholic dementia

Dementia is a progressive disease that affects all aspects of a person’s life. But the disease doesn’t need to rob you and your loved one of your ability to live a quality and dignified life.

By recognizing the symptoms and understanding the stages of alcohol dementia, you can help your loved one live navigate the next chapters of their life with grace and dignity.

That’s what we believe here at Village Green.

Our dementia caregivers believe that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and compassion so they can maintain vitality and optimal health all the days of their lives.

Our Meet Me Where I Am program situates dementia patients at the center of their journey. Our expert caregivers are licensed and trained in the latest dementia-care best practices to help them through their journey.

If you’re looking for a regular nursing home to support your loved one with dementia, look elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for compassionate caregivers who provide 24/7 medical support, where residents are treated like family, and where they’ll have access to some of the finest amenities that Nassau County, New York offers, you’ve come to the right place.

To learn more about our warm and inviting Village, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to give you a tour of our facility.

Frequently asked questions about alcoholic dementia stages (and more)

How is alcohol-related dementia different from other forms of dementia?

Alcohol dementia is different from vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other progressive memory conditions in that it’s caused by Thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1) deficiencies.

Brain damage occurs as a result. But, the largest difference between alcohol dementia and other forms of dementia is that with the right support — and by abstaining from alcohol  — a partial or full recovery is possible.

Is alcohol-related dementia reversible?

Potentially, yes! Early detection and treatment of alcohol dementia may reverse some of the harmful effects of the disease.

But, once the disease progresses, it may lead to Korsakoff syndrome. With Korsakoff syndrome, damage to the brain and nervous system occurs.

By the time Korsakoff syndrome kicks in, a person may not be able to reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

How can a person prevent the progression of alcoholic dementia?

The following preventative measures can help prevent alcohol consumption-related brain damage.

• Eating a healthy diet rich in Thiamine (also known as Vitamin B1)
• Drug treatments
• Abstaining from or limiting alcohol intake
• Engaging in memory care activities to improve brain function
• Therapy and counseling

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“I have visited and experienced many facilities in Nassau County. Village Green ranks high.

Why?

Varied activities, happy, caring, and engaged staff,  and it’s a relatively new facility.

My father says: ‘I feel like I’m on a cruise ship!’ And, indeed, when you enter, you see for yourself, actual residents who are happy.

No, I was not paid to say this. It comes from the heart.” – Alicia E., candid testimonial feedback about Village Green