Alcohol-related dementia
Alcohol-related dementia (ARD) is a form of dementia caused by long-term, excessive consumption of alcohol. It is characterized by cognitive and memory impairments, with a range of symptoms similar to other types of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
Pronunciation
Alcohol-related dementia is pronounced as /ˈælkəhɔːl rɪˈleɪtɪd dɪˈmɛnʃə/.
Etymology
The term "alcohol-related dementia" is derived from the Latin word "alcohol" meaning "spirit of wine", the Latin word "relatus" meaning "brought back", and the Latin word "dementia" meaning "madness".
Symptoms
The symptoms of alcohol-related dementia can include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and problem-solving difficulties. These symptoms can be similar to those of other forms of dementia, making it difficult to diagnose.
Causes
The exact cause of alcohol-related dementia is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be caused by the direct neurotoxic effects of alcohol on the brain cells, combined with the nutritional deficiencies often associated with alcoholism, particularly a lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine).
Treatment
Treatment for alcohol-related dementia involves abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and cognitive rehabilitation. In some cases, medication may be used to manage symptoms.
Related Terms
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: A severe form of ARD caused by thiamine deficiency.
- Alcoholism: A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
- Cognitive impairment: A loss of cognitive abilities such as memory and thinking skills.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alcohol-related dementia
- Wikipedia's article - Alcohol-related dementia
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