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Alcohol is a potent neurotoxin. [5] The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has found, "Alcoholism may accelerate normal aging or cause premature aging of the brain." [6] Another report by the same agency found, "Chronic alcohol consumption, as well as chronic glucocorticoid exposure, can result in premature and/or exaggerated ...
Alcohol abuse affects neurons in the frontal cortex that typically have a large soma, or cell body. This type of neuron is more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease and normal aging. Research is still being conducted to determine whether there is a direct link between excessive alcohol consumption and Alzheimer's disease. [8]
Diagnosing alcohol-related dementia can be difficult due to the wide range of symptoms and a lack of specific brain pathology. [3] The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is a guide to aid doctors in diagnosing a range of psychiatric disorders, and may be helpful in diagnosing dementia.
A governmental report from Britain has found that "There were 8,724 alcohol-related deaths in 2007, lower than 2006, but more than double the 4,144 recorded in 1991. The alcohol-related death rate was 13.3 per 100,000 population in 2007, compared with 6.9 per 100,000 population in 1991."
Older twin studies suggest that 79 percent to 93 percent of the risk of bipolar disorder is genetic. A more recent twin study identified specific genes associated with bipolar disorder.
The long-term impact of alcohol on the brain has become a growing area of research focus. While researchers have found that moderate alcohol consumption in older adults is associated with better cognition and well-being than abstinence, [1] excessive alcohol consumption is associated with widespread and significant brain lesions.
Just to recap, here’s a breakdown of what is considered a standard drink, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Beer, 12 ounces. Hard seltzer, 8-10 ounces.
“The brain changes, and it doesn’t recover when you just stop the drug because the brain has been actually changed,” Kreek explained. “The brain may get OK with time in some persons. But it’s hard to find a person who has completely normal brain function after a long cycle of opiate addiction, not without specific medication treatment.”