A growing dependency on alcohol—if not addressed—can increase risk for alcohol-induced dementia.

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Up to 17 percent of Americans age 60 and over (3 million people) have serious alcohol problems, and the number is climbing as the baby-boom generation reaches its 60s. Already, statistics indicate that more seniors are admitted to hospitals for alcohol-related medical problems than are admitted for heart attacks. Both physiological and social factors combine to make this age group especially vulnerable, especially to alcohol-induced dementia.

Know the Signs of Alcohol-Induced Dementia

A growing dependency on alcohol—if not addressed—can increase risk for alcohol-induced dementia. Alcohol dependency is signaled by the following warning signs that indicate drinking may be getting out of hand:

• Alcohol becomes increasingly important. Drinking is frequently discussed or suggested, and having a drink becomes a priority and a central focus and preoccupation in life.
• An increase in the amount or frequency of alcohol consumption. Drinking occurs with increasing regularity and becomes heavier.
• More frequent intoxication. Signs of intoxication, such as speech, behavior and mood changes, are observed with increasing regularity.
• Drinking alone or in secret. Drinking occurs even outside of social situations.
• Defensiveness. Individuals show resentment toward comments about their alcohol consumption, deny there is a problem, or minimize how much or how frequently they drink.
• Mood swings while drinking. For example, euphoria may turn to sadness, irritability, depression, or anger.
• Blackouts. People may not remember what was said or done while drinking.
• Remorse, guilt, or embarrassment over drinking. People may apologize and promise to cut back on drinking, but the promises are not fulfilled.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol-Induced Dementia?

Evidence suggests that the direct effects of chronic excessive alcohol consumption on the older brain may lead to premature aging of the brain, aggravating symptoms of cognitive decline. That’s because many of the negative effects on the brain associated with alcohol intake are magnified with age.

Older people become more sensitive to alcohol as age-related changes in absorption and metabolism lower their tolerance. The risk of harmful drug interactions increases among elderly individuals who drink, as does the risk of injury from falls. Too much alcohol can aggravate symptoms of cognitive decline and early dementia. Sleep disorders, memory problems, mood and anxiety disorders become more likely.

Getting Help

Seeking help for alcohol addiction is essential, especially if you have become dependent on alcohol and tried repeatedly to quit on your own without success. Options include talking to your primary care physician a mental health professional trained to deal with addiction, contacting a clinic specializing in alcohol dependence, or joining a 12-step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous for ongoing support.

Treatments for alcohol dependence include:

• 12-step programs, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and medications such as naltrexone, which blocks the euphoria associated with drinking;
• Acamprosate, which helps reduce symptoms associated with abstinence from alcohol as the brain adjusts to its absence;
• Disulfiram, which causes highly unpleasant physical reactions if alcohol is consumed.

Originally published in May 2016 and updated.