Alcoholism and dementia.
This article reviews epidemiological, neurological, cognitive, and imaging data on alcohol-induced dementia. Recent studies indicate that "heavy alcohol use" (variously defined) is a contributing factor in 21-24% of cases of dementia. Research difficulties include lack of positive diagnostic criteria, few post-mortem studies, and no accepted pathological mechanism. Sulcal widening and ventricular enlargement (occasionally reversible) are the strongest findings in patients with alcohol-induced dementia. There is evidence for peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, sparing of language, and improved prognosis when patients with alcohol-induced dementia are compared to other dements. Case examples, etiologic theories, and recommendations for research, training, and clinical practice are included.
Smith
D M
DM
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201, USA.
Atkinson
R M
RM
D000368:Aged; D000425:Alcohol Amnestic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales