Memory lapses, confusion, and trouble concentrating are often thought of as inevitable parts of aging, and these are symptoms we commonly associate with dementia in older adults. For some older adults, long-term alcohol use or a recent increase in drinking may be the real culprit behind memory issues, confusion, or changes in personality. This condition, known as alcohol-related dementia (ARD), is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.
Alcohol-related dementia is a form of cognitive impairment that arises due to prolonged, excessive alcohol consumption. It’s often overlooked or misdiagnosed because the symptoms can closely resemble those of other age-related memory disorders.
What Is Alcohol-Related Dementia?
Alcohol-related dementia is not a single diagnosis but a range of cognitive problems caused by alcohol’s toxic effects on the brain. Chronic heavy drinking can damage brain tissue, shrink key areas of the brain, and lead to vitamin deficiencies—particularly thiamine (vitamin B1)—which plays a crucial role in brain health.
Two common outcomes of alcohol-related brain damage include:
- Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): Often called “wet brain,” this condition is characterized by severe memory problems, lack of coordination, and confusion. It results from a deficiency in thiamine due to prolonged alcohol use.
- Alcohol-Related Neurocognitive Disorder: This includes broader cognitive impairments such as poor decision-making, slowed thinking, and difficulty with attention or learning new information.
How Alcoholism Can Look Like Dementia
Alcohol misuse among older adults is frequently underdiagnosed. Loved ones may overlook problematic drinking, assuming symptoms are simply signs of aging. Doctors may miss it, too, especially when patients are isolated, have multiple medications, or are reluctant to disclose drinking habits.
For older adults experiencing life changes, retirement, loss of a spouse, and chronic pain, alcohol can become a coping mechanism. Over time, heavy use leads to nutritional deficiencies (particularly thiamine or vitamin B1) and direct neurotoxicity, damaging brain cells and altering cognition.
A Closer Look: Alcoholism Masquerading as Dementia
Older adults with alcohol-related cognitive impairment may appear to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Family members might notice:
- Repeating questions or stories
- Forgetting appointments or daily tasks
- Struggling to follow conversations
- Mood swings or increased irritability
- Withdrawal from hobbies or social situations
In many cases, what appears to be dementia may be the result of:
- Chronic alcohol misuse over decades
- A recent increase in drinking due to loneliness, depression, or grief
- Poor nutrition, exacerbated by alcohol’s interference with vitamin absorption
- Medication interactions with alcohol
- Head trauma from alcohol-related falls
The difference is that, unlike many types of dementia, alcohol-related cognitive decline can sometimes be halted, or even partially reversed, if caught early and treated with a combination of sobriety, nutritional support, and mental rehabilitation.
The Overlap in Symptoms
Symptom Dementia Alcohol-Related Cognitive Decline
Memory loss ✔ ✔
Confusion ✔ ✔
Poor judgment ✔ ✔
Disorientation ✔ ✔
Speech difficulties ✔ ✔
Potential for reversal Rare Possible with treatment
Hanley Center’s Older Adult Program: Age-Specific, Evidence-Based Treatment
Hanley Center is one of the few treatment centers in the nation with a specialized Older Adult Program tailored to meet the needs of adults aged 60 and above. Our dedicated unit provides a safe, supportive environment where older adults can receive comprehensive treatment for substance use disorder alongside co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or memory loss.
Unlike many facilities, Hanley is equipped to accept medically complex older adults thanks to our 24/7 on-site medical services team, experienced in managing chronic conditions, polypharmacy, mobility concerns, and cognitive impairments. Our proximity to St. Mary’s Medical Center, located just next door, provides added peace of mind, ensuring immediate access to advanced hospital care when needed. This unique combination allows us to safely support older adults through detox and treatment in a setting designed specifically for their physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.
What Sets Hanley Center’s Older Adult Program Apart
- Thorough Medical and Cognitive Assessments: To determine whether symptoms stem from alcohol-related brain damage, aging, or other medical issues.
- Round-the-clock medical care and medically supervised detox tailored for aging bodies and chronic conditions.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and psychoeducation adapted to an older population.
- Cognitive rehabilitation and strategies to help restore mental clarity and memory function
- Whole-Person Healing: Nutrition support, physical wellness programming, and activities that improve brain health and emotional resilience.
- Family Involvement: Education and support for loved ones to understand the nature of alcohol-related dementia and the recovery journey.
- Dignified Care: We honor the wisdom, experience, and dignity of each older adult who walks through our doors.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you love is over the age of 60 and experiencing:
- Memory lapses or confusion
- Changes in personality
- A noticeable increase in alcohol use
- Isolation or lack of interest in daily life
- Multiple falls or medication errors
It may be time to explore the role alcohol is playing. Whether it’s alcohol-related dementia or a dual diagnosis of dementia and substance use disorder, Hanley Center offers compassionate care tailored to older adults.
Recovery Is Possible—At Any Age
It’s never too late to seek help. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or someone you love, recognizing the signs of alcohol-related cognitive decline is the first step toward healing. With specialized support, older adults can achieve meaningful recovery, improve cognitive functioning, and reclaim a greater sense of purpose and connection. At Hanley Center, we provide compassionate, age-specific care that addresses the unique physical, emotional, and neurological needs of older adults, because everyone deserves the chance to live with dignity, clarity, and hope.
Hanley Center has been helping people all over the country achieve wellness for more than 40 years. In addition to providing age- and gender-specific treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, Hanley offers a Patriots Initiative for first responders and veterans, a program specifically for pregnant women, and a boutique residential mental health program for adults. For information on our programs, call us today: (561) 841-1033.
