The link between alcohol and dementia has become a point of concern because of the growing number of alcohol addiction cases.
Alcohol is something that almost every one of us is familiar with but people are not aware of its negative effects.
It is like a slow passion that affects your health gradually. Science suggests that this liquid can also affect a person mentally.
This revelation has made people ask questions like can Alzheimer patients drink alcohol?
Well, frankly speaking, no because it can make the situation worse as it is linked to neurogenerative diseases like Dementia.
But how does Alcohol Affect the Brain?
How Does Alcohol Affect the Brain?
It is a well-known fact that alcohol affects the brain somehow which puts the drinkers in mental high states.
Health experts suggest that it hurts the central nervous system that alters the brain which leads to numerous behavioral abnormalities and cognitive disorders.
People who drink too much alcohol are usually seen to have slower reaction times and poor judgment.
This happens because of the imbalance in two excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and inhibitory.
Some studies also suggest that it triggers the release of the happy hormone, Dopamine.
This release of the happy hormone dopamine makes the brain addicted to having the substance again and again.
This is why the best addiction center in Patna tells addicted patients to opt for new hobbies that make them happy.
Now, dementia is also a brain disease and health experts believe that alcohol has a link to it.
The Link Between Alcohol and Dementia
As we have discussed, alcohol disrupts brain chemistry by negatively affecting the balance of hormones and the central nervous system.
Dementia is also a neurodegenerative disease that is related to the brain. This is why health experts relate dementia to high alcohol intake.
However, the exact reason, why alcohol causes dementia is not understood even by science.
One theory says that alcohol can create a nutritional deficiency of B vitamins, which are extremely important to bairn function and cognitive health.
This reduction of B vitamins like thiamine may cause brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Furthermore, dementia is also linked to increased cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. It’s a well-known fact that alcohol can increase these types of health problems.
This is why old age people who suffer from heart issues generally suffer from brain problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, the increase in alcohol intake can also reduce the buildup of some crucial proteins in the brain, which can lead to brain diseases.
So, if you are experiencing reduced cognitive abilities, memory loss or other brain-related issues then stop the alcohol consumption right away.
Although, it is believed that red wine can be beneficial for Health but high intake of alcohol is not recommended at all.
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How Much Do You Have to Drink to Get Alcoholic Dementia?
How much alcohol does it take to cause dementia? well, there is not a specific amount as each person is different. However, on average, it is believed that anything larger than 14 units is not good.
Furthermore, for long-term users, it may be more or less than that. One should understand that alcohol and dementia are not directly related and the amount of alcohol to cause dementia is very subjective.
Most of the time alcoholic dementia is the result of very long-term alcohol consumption.
But it also the fact that other conditions like health and genetics also play a big role in it.
Can Alcohol Cause Dementia to Be Reversed?
The degree of recovery from alcohol-related dementia is restricted, even though quitting alcohol can stop further decline.
When sober, cognitive functions may occasionally stabilize or slightly improve, particularly if the illness is detected early.
A total recovery from established dementia is improbable, though. The recovery process from alcohol-related brain damage varies from person to person and can be permanent.
Prompt actions, such as giving up alcohol and receiving the right medical attention, can help control symptoms and slow their progression.
Those who are suffering from dementia or cognitive impairment brought on by alcohol must seek out professional guidance and assistance.
Many people wonder can an Alzheimer’s patient drink alcohol after reversing its effects.
Well, according to health experts fixing the brain health issues caused by alcohol can be possible in the starting stages.
The best thing one can do to reverse alcoholic dementia is to stop the consumption of alcohol.
This will give your brain time to heal and can also stop the further cognitive decline. However, the recovery time will vary from person to person.
But in the last alcohol dementia stages, patients should consult their doctor as it may lead to a serious health hazard.
After knowing all these about dementia you must be wondering how to reduce its effects.
How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia?
Can alcohol make dementia worse? Yes, it can make it and may even cause dementia in a healthy person.
So, if you were or are an alcoholic person follow these tips to reduce the
dementia risk:
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Diet is the most important factor in fixing any health condition. The risk of dementia can be reduced with the help of well-balanced diet.
One should try to eat high high-protein diet that is also full of fibrous food options like fruits and vegetables.
Furthermore, having enough omega-3 in your diet is also important because it a nutrition for the brain.
So, add salmon fish, and walnuts to your daily diet for better brain health and reduced dementia.
2. Improve Sleep Quality
Good sleep is crucial for maintaining general health, which includes brain function.
Sleep is like a recovery mode for the brain and the body, which helps to rejuvenate and repair the brain from all the damage.
Furthermore, some studies also relate Cognitive decline to poor sleep patterns.
To ensure that your brain functions at its best, aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep each night and create a regular sleep schedule.
3. Physical Exercise
Regular physical activity improves brain and cardiovascular health. It also increases blood flow and lowers the chance of diabetes and high BP.
Furthermore, it also triggers the release of dopamine which helps the brain function and deaddiction.
One should Try to get in at least 30 minutes of workout daily.
4. Be more Socially Active
Meeting with friends and being active socially protects cognitive health. Being in a social network that keeps you mentally happy and offers mental support, lowers stress levels.
According to health experts, a happy brain is the key to preventing cognitive decline.
So, trying to maintain ties with friends, family, and the community will help to create a feeling of acceptance.
It’s important to note that these tips may help in reducing the risk of Dementia but the results may vary according to a person’s health and genetics.
This is why it is important to take guidance from the best Rehabilitation Centres in Patna as they have the expertise to treat and deal with mental issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that there is no clear link between alcohol and dementia.
However, according to Saran Nasha Mukti Kendra in Patna alcohol can alter the brain chemistry, which may lead to numerous mental problems, like dementia.
Health conditions and genetics are also responsible for alcoholic dementia. Science, also says that some daily lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of alcoholic dementia.
Physical exercise, being more socially active, and taking care of your diet are some of the ways to reduce the risk of dementia.