It is a well known fact that alcohol abuse can cause or accelerate dementia, but there doesn’t seem to be any conclusive evidence that links alcoholism and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) even though the two are associated with similar physical changes in the brain.
This statement becomes a matter for debate although in a reverse fashion when considering the following request for advice that popped up on my news feed from an AD forum website.
Recovering alcoholic (many years sober) is forgetting recovery and drinking? Need advice.HealthCentral
I think in this case one could argue that AD, while there may not be a cause and effect link to alcoholism, definitely could become a contributing factor in relapse.
Click “Read more” to continue…
I did not get any satisfaction out of the advice offered, but neither could I produce any better suggestions. What exactly can one do in a situation like this except provide constant supervision? While not exactly pertinent, it did make me think of another question.
If this situation occurs, would it be considered a relapse or just recovery slipping away? I have witnessed the pain of family members who watch loved ones slip away into a dementia... and alcoholism. I can only imagine that is that much worse when it happens simultaneously.
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Curiously enough, one of my drinking buddies was struck sober. He was diagnosed with alcoholic dementia. Still doesn't know why he is where he is, nor can he comprehend that almost four years have passed.
Doesn't drink, though. Not the way I'd like to come to sobriety. There but by the grace of God go I..
but i am sure it most happen often enough both struck sober and drunk.
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