Fact 3: Different Types of Alcohol-Related Dementia
ARD is a collective term representing several types of dementia associated with alcohol misuse, including Korsakoff’s syndrome and alcoholic dementia. Each type is distinguished by unique characteristics, yet all have roots in the misuse of alcohol.
Korsakoff’s syndrome, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, is primarily characterized by severe memory problems, particularly with forming new memories. Patients may also experience confabulation, where they create false memories to fill gaps in their memory. Korsakoff’s syndrome is often associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, a common condition in people with alcohol use disorder due to poor nutrition.
Alcoholic dementia, on the other hand, is a term used when there’s a global cognitive impairment, including memory, attention, and judgment issues, due to alcohol misuse. While it’s challenging to differentiate from other types of dementia without a clear history of prolonged heavy drinking, the presence of other alcohol-related damage to the body may provide clues to the diagnosis.
It’s important to note that a person may suffer from multiple types of ARD simultaneously. For instance, a person could show symptoms of both Korsakoff’s syndrome and alcoholic dementia. Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms and progression of other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Delineating the different types of ARD helps health professionals devise the most effective treatment plan. However, it’s essential to understand that regardless of the type of ARD a person has, the first and most important step towards managing the disease is the cessation of alcohol consumption.(3)
