[ Home ] [ Poems ] [ Personal Stories ] [ Short Articles ] [ Links ]

 

Dementia Associated With Alcoholism

 

Dementia Associated With Alcoholism
American Description

Diagnostic Criteria
The development of multiple cognitive deficits manifested by both:
Memory impairment (impaired ability to learn new information or to recall previously learned information)
One (or more) of the following cognitive disturbances:
Aphasia (language disturbance)
Apraxia (impaired ability to carry out motor activities despite intact motor function)
Agnosia (failure to recognize or identify objects despite intact sensory function)
Disturbance in executive functioning (i.e., planning, organizing, sequencing, abstracting)
The cognitive deficits (above) cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning and represent a significant decline from a previous level of functioning
The cognitive deficits do not occur exclusively during the course of a delirium and persist beyond the usual duration of Alcohol Intoxication or Withdrawal.
There is evidence from the history, physical examination, or laboratory findings that the cognitive deficits are etiologically related to the persisting effects of alcohol.

Problem Areas (When Initially Diagnosed)
Socio-Economic:
Unemployed
Moderately impaired homemaking
Moderately impaired money management
Requires voluntary institutional care (placement in supervised residence or nursing home)
Addiction-Antisocial:
Severe alcohol abuse
Depression:
Significant loss of interest and motivation
Significant problem with concentration
Intellectual Impairment:
Significant problem with memory or learning
Significant decrease in speech and movement
Significant problem with grooming and hygiene
Significant confusion as to date, place, or person

Onset and Course
The age at onset is rarely before age 20 years.
Onset is typically insidious with a slow progression. Since Alcoholic Dementia persists long after alchohol use may have stopped, blood tests may be negative for alcohol or the associated liver damage.
The cognitive deficits are usually permanent and may worsen even if alcohol use stops, although some cases do show improvement.

Differential Diagnosis
Delirium
Amnestic Disorder
Alzheimer's Dementia
Vascular (Multi-Infarct) Dementia
Other Substance Intoxication, or Substance Withdrawal
Dementia Due to Other General Medical Conditions:
Brain Tumor
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
HIV Infection
Huntington's Disease
Hypercalcemia
Hypothyroidism
Neurosyphilis
Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus
Parkinson's Disease
Pick's Disease
Subdural Hematoma
Traumatic Brain Injury
Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Folic Acid Deficiency, Niacin Deficiency
Mental Retardation
Schizophrenia
Major Depressive Disorder
Malingering and Factitious Disorder
Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Internet Mental Health (www.mentalhealth.com) copyright © 1995-2000 by Phillip W. Long, M.D.

 

 

 

BipolarConnection 2001 - 2008

 

Designed by

Angelblues
 

Although BipolarConnection Network strives for the highest quality in the resources offered here, unless otherwise noted, BipolarConnection Network is not responsible for the validity or accuracy of the material presented in.  The pages are thought to be accurate, but no warranties, expressed or implied, are made. The opinions of the authors are not necessarily the opinion of BipolarConnection Network.

The contents of BipolarConnection Network are for information purposes only and do not replace the assessment of a physician or psychotherapist..

Always consult a trained mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment choice or changes in your treatment. Never discontinue treatment or medication without first consulting your physician, clinician or therapist. If you are feeling like you want to harm yourself or others, please consult a mental health professional or other health care professional IMMEDIATELY. Online resources are not meant to nor cannot replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.