Fact 2: Alcohol-Related Dementia and Age Factors
Alcohol-related dementia is not exclusive to any age group. While it’s more commonly diagnosed in people aged 50 and above, ARD can impact younger populations as well. The onset of ARD symptoms generally depends more on the duration and amount of alcohol misuse rather than age alone.
Some studies suggest that younger people who misuse alcohol may be particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol on the brain. This is because the brain is still developing until the mid-20s, and alcohol can significantly interfere with this process. This is not to say that older people are immune – far from it. Age-related changes in the brain might enhance susceptibility to the harmful effects of alcohol.
It’s also worth noting that ARD can be more challenging to diagnose in younger people. This is primarily because dementia is often not expected in younger age groups, and the symptoms may be mistaken for other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. (2)
