Symptom 8. Impaired Judgment – The Broken Compass
Impaired judgment is another telling symptom of ARD. This isn’t just about making occasional bad decisions, which we’re all prone to. Instead, people with alcohol-related dementia often consistently make poor decisions, even when they’re aware of the potential negative consequences.
For example, an individual with ARD may impulsively spend large sums of money, neglect their personal responsibilities, or engage in risky behavior. This pattern of poor decision-making can have severe implications, damaging their relationships, financial stability, and overall well-being.
The ability to make sound decisions is a complex cognitive function involving multiple brain regions, notably the frontal lobes. Alcohol-induced damage to these areas can lead to impaired judgment, causing the individual to make decisions that are detrimental to their well-being. (8)
