Can Alcohol Cause Dementia? Learn the Facts
It’s natural to feel concerned when someone you care about is drinking more than they used to, especially if you’ve started to notice changes in their memory or behaviour. Many families wonder whether alcohol could be playing a part, and if it might increase the risk of dementia.
While not everyone who drinks develops memory problems, long-term alcohol misuse can have serious effects on the brain. In some cases, it can even lead to a form of dementia. Understanding how alcohol affects brain health is an important first step in knowing what signs to look out for and when to seek help.
Here, we explore the link between alcohol and dementia, what to watch for, and how to find the right support if you’re worried about a loved one.
Understanding how alcohol affects the brain
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the brain and affects how it communicates with the rest of the body. In the short term, this can lead to confusion, poor coordination and memory lapses. But when alcohol is consumed heavily over a long period of time, the effects can be much more serious.
Chronic alcohol misuse can lead to shrinkage in certain areas of the brain, particularly those responsible for memory and decision-making. It can also damage blood vessels and reduce the flow of nutrients to the brain, making it harder for brain cells to function properly.
In some people, these changes can become permanent and lead to alcohol-related brain damage, a condition that includes a form of dementia known as alcohol-related dementia, or sometimes Korsakoff’s syndrome.
What is alcohol-related dementia?
Alcohol-related dementia is a type of cognitive decline caused by long-term alcohol misuse. It affects memory, learning and other mental skills and is often linked to poor nutrition, particularly a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is essential for healthy brain function.
Unlike other forms of dementia, alcohol-related dementia may be partially reversible if spotted early and if the person stops drinking and receives proper treatment and support. However, continued alcohol use can cause lasting damage and lead to worsening symptoms over time.
- Common signs of alcohol-related dementia include:
- Memory problems and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Struggling with everyday tasks
- Personality or mood changes
- Poor balance and coordination
These symptoms may come on gradually and are sometimes mistaken for other types of dementia or ageing. That’s why it’s important to seek medical advice if you’re concerned.
Who is at risk?
Anyone who regularly drinks heavily over a long period of time may be at risk of developing alcohol-related dementia. However, the risk can vary depending on several factors including:
- How much and how often the person drinks
- Their age and overall health
- Genetic predisposition or family history
- Nutritional status, especially levels of vitamin B1
- Whether they have experienced alcohol-related brain injuries
Men are generally more likely to be affected due to higher rates of alcohol misuse, though women may be more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol on the brain even at lower levels of consumption.
It is also worth noting that alcohol-related dementia often affects people at a younger age than other types of dementia. Some people begin to show symptoms in their 40s or 50s, which can have a significant impact on family life, work and relationships.
Can alcohol-related dementia be treated?
Treatment for alcohol-related dementia focuses on stopping further damage and supporting brain function. While not all damage is reversible, early diagnosis and intervention can improve quality of life and, in some cases, partially restore cognitive abilities.
Key aspects of treatment include:
- Abstinence from alcohol: Stopping drinking is the most important step. Continued alcohol use will likely worsen symptoms and speed up brain decline.
- Thiamine replacement therapy: Supplements or injections of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can help prevent further damage and support brain repair, especially if nutritional deficiency is present.
- Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet can help improve overall health and support recovery.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: Therapy and mental stimulation activities can support memory and thinking skills.
- Ongoing support: Medical check-ups, mental health support and help from family or carers can make a big difference in managing the condition.
Though not all cases improve, many people with alcohol-related dementia who stop drinking and follow a treatment plan experience better functioning and greater independence over time.
How Country Cousins can help
Dementia is a complex illness. Even the smallest changes to one’s daily routine can cause unnecessary stress. This is why more and more families are relying on our dementia home care services as opposed to placing their loved ones within residential care homes.
As one of the UK’s leading dementia home care agencies, our nationwide team of carers are well-versed in supporting people with dementia, allowing them to live an independent life at home.
With our advanced live-in care and support, you can rest assured that we will do everything we can to ensure that carers are placed in long-term assignments, minimising the anxiety associated with someone constantly coming and going from the home.
Find clear, practical information on dementia — including types, symptoms, treatments and daily support. Download our dementia guide to get started.
Talk to our team today
We are the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, having provided bespoke live-in care to those who need it in their own homes since 1959.
Call our experienced team today on 01293 224706 to discuss your live-in home care needs and receive a free, no obligation quotation.
Alzheimer’s Society. Alcohol-related dementia. Accessed June 2025.
Dementia UK. Alcohol-related brain damage. Accessed June 2025.
Alzheimer’s Association (US). Korsakoff syndrome. Accessed June 2025.
