Our Admiral Nurse was there when nobody else was – Shara’s story
Shara reflects on her journey caring for Anna, her mother, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2016.
There is strong evidence that drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of developing dementia. This includes drinking more than the recommended maximum of 14 units of alcohol per week, and binge drinking.
Drinking alcohol excessively increases the risk of dementia by:
There appears to be a particularly strong link between heavy drinking and young onset dementia – where symptoms develop before the age of 65.
There have been many studies into the link between alcohol and dementia, with different results – but it is clear that exceeding the recommended weekly alcohol limit increases the risk of developing dementia.
The evidence linking dementia with moderate drinking is less conclusive. Some studies have suggested that abstaining from alcohol completely may make you less likely to develop dementia, but it is generally accepted that if you stay within the recommended limits, it is unlikely to increase the risk.
A few inconclusive studies have suggested that drinking alcohol in moderation (specifically red wine) could have a protective effect against dementia, but if you do not drink alcohol, there is no reason to start as the evidence is limited.
The Government and NHS recommend drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week. This should be spread across at least three days, with several alcohol-free days each week.
These are the typical alcohol units of popular drinks:
You should also avoid binge drinking: consuming more than eight units of alcohol in a single session for men, or six units for women.
Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is caused by drinking alcohol excessively over a long period of time. Alcohol-related dementias are more commonly seen in people in their 40s and 50s, and account for around 10% of cases of young onset dementia.
There are three types of ARBD: Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s syndrome (which can occur together, known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome), and alcoholic dementia.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy often develops suddenly. Signs include:
Korsakoff’s syndrome develops more gradually. Signs include:
Unlike other forms of dementia, ARBD may be reversible if the person stops drinking alcohol excessively. About 25% of people recover completely, 50% recover partially, and 25% continue to deteriorate.
It is important for a person who drinks alcohol in excess to speak to their GP before stopping as quitting suddenly could cause dangerous withdrawal effects.
If you need additional support, you can ask your GP about alcohol services or contact an organisation like Drinkline (0300 123 1110), Alcoholics Anonymous or Alcohol Change
While drinking in moderation can be an enjoyable part of life, it may have a negative impact on a person with dementia, for example by increasing confusion, disorientation and the risk of falls.
Dementia may cause some people to drink too much alcohol. This could be because:
If the person with dementia seems to be consuming alcohol excessively, some of the tips above might help. You may want to avoid having alcohol in the home and provide low- or zero-alcohol alternatives instead.
A healthcare professional can advise you on whether the person should reduce their alcohol intake and help devise a plan for cutting back or stopping drinking.
Bear in mind that alcohol may interfere with some forms of medication that the person with dementia may be taking. This may stop the medication working well and increase the risk of side effects. A GP or pharmacist can advise you about whether it is safe to drink alcohol when taking a medication.
To speak to a specialist Admiral Nurse about alcohol and dementia or any other aspect of dementia, please call our Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December) or email helpline@dementiauk.org
If you prefer, you can book a phone or video appointment in our virtual clinic.
Dementia prevention and risk factors
Eating and drinking for a person with dementia
Our free, confidential Dementia Helpline is staffed by our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses who provide information, advice and support with any aspect of dementia.
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