We all know alcohol can potentially lead to multiple health issues, especially memory loss.
If consumed over many years, people can put themselves at extreme risk of "more serious brain damage" if they show signs of impairment and continue to consume alcohol.
The drink, which can lighten spirits for a short period of time, also has the ability to "worsen thinking abilities", reports The Express.
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Dementia is one of the most devastating illnesses that can claim the wellbeing of ourselves or our loved ones. Dementia charity, Alzheimer's Society ha issued a warning of alcohol - related brain damage (ARBD) that could result in greater risk of dementia.
The charity, which is dedicated to research into the life-changing illness, states that if enough damage is done, alcohol-related dementia - otherwise known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome - can develop.
In order to maintain a healthy mental state and contribute to a healthy brain, you need a vitamin called Thiamine.
Foods in which contain a high count of thiamine include:
- Fish
- Beans, lentils
- Green peas
- Sunflower seeds
- Yoghurt
A lack of vitamin B1 can have "severe and long-lasting effects on the brain".
Something called "confabulation" can occur, where the person may think they remember certain events and try to fill gaps in their memory with stuff that didn't happen.
Another telling sign is when the affected person struggles to understand new information or to learn new skills.
There may be changes in personality, where the person becomes more talkative and repeats certain things over and over.
Brain issues may also manifest as issues with concentration, decision making and solving problems.
How alcohol affects the brain
Alcohol can seem like an instant problem-solver. It helps numb certain feelings and effects, but can also be toxic to our nerve cells.
Drinking alcohol kills off brain cells each time and the brain tissue begins to shrink.
"This means there are fewer cells to carry the messages that the brain needs to do different tasks," the charity elaborated.
High blood pressure usually comes with the result of drinking alcohol as it damages the blood vessels in the brain.
Both increase the risk of a life-threatening stroke.
Whilst there is no treatment for dementia, avoiding the eventual diagnosis is doable. People can become teetotal, meaning they have given up consuming any trace of alcohol and vitamin B1 injections.
One in ten people diagnosed with dementia have some form of alcohol-related brain damage.
