Alcohol & Dementia: How Alcohol Dementia Affects the Body - DementiaGuide.com Posted on June 27, 2008 by DementiaGuide Alcohol Dementia Some cases of dementia in older persons are caused by chronic alcohol abuse. This is often overlooked, however, because family members are not always aware of how often a parent or grandparent is actually drinking. Doctors can also miss the signs of alcohol dementia if they are not aware of an individual's alcohol consumption. Many symptoms of dementia caused by chronic alcohol abuse are similar to those of other forms of dementia, such as memory loss, difficulty performing routine tasks like dressing or preparing meals, impaired judgment, and personality changes. There is also a marked inability to learn new information or to recall previously learned information, making it difficult for someone to develop new skills, remember appointments, or recall names of new acquaintances. How Alcohol Dementia Affects the Body The symptoms of alcohol dementia show up at all times, and not just when the individual is intoxicated. This is because the consumption of alcohol causes damage to the nerves and the cerebellum of the brain over time that is constant and usually permanent rather than tied to the actual presence of alcohol. Alcohol abuse also leads to vitamin deficiency, and a lack of Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is common. The lack of proper nutrients leads to peripheral neuropathy, or damage to the nerves in extremities. Individuals with alcohol dementia often have a shuffling gait when they walk, stumble frequently, and fall down even when sober due to loss of coordination. Finally, poor hygiene, lack of grooming, and personality changes may contribute to an overall impression of depression that can make a diagnosis of alcohol dementia more difficult to make. If you are a caregiver for someone who is consuming alcoholic drinks every day and have noticed they are showing what may be early signs of dementia, it is crucial you discuss this honestly with  them and bring this to the attention of his or her physician. They should cut back on or eliminate alcoholic drinks to prevent progression and may need nutrient therapy as well. Alcohol abuse is a disease in itself coupled with alcohol dementia it is  very difficult to manage and address. Do what you can to seek professional help soon as you notice it. Early intervention may be able to improve the situation for everyone involved.