How Heavy Drinking Can Increase Your Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s
According to the UK Alzheimer’s Society “excessive alcohol consumption over a lengthy time period can lead to brain damage, and may increase your risk of developing dementia.” It is well-established that heavy alcohol consumption can seriously impact the brain. Heavy alcohol consumption over a long period of time has numerous health risks, both short- and long-term. The impact prolonged heavy alcohol consumption has on the brain is not fully known, but scientists believe that it could do severe damage and may be a contributing risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a broad term used to describe diseases or conditions which impact a person’s memory or ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most common causes of dementia. Most people suffering from dementia experience memory loss, trouble speaking and an inability to problem-solve. Sadly, dementia not only affects a person’s memory, but it can alter how a person thinks and behaves.
Dementia can be caused by a number of things and there are known risk factors. For instance, certain medications and thyroid problems may be to blame. Heavy alcohol consumption may also contribute to dementia and other brain related trauma. Many believe that a healthy lifestyle including a good diet, exercise and not smoking may help to offset the risk associated with dementia.
Heavy drinking and binge drinking are known to have significant health risks, regardless of your age. The healthier lifestyle you choose, the better chance you will have at offsetting genetic predisposition to serious diseases.