If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you may wonder how daily lifestyle habits and choices — like drinking alcohol — affect memory loss and brain function.

In this article, we’ll consider research on the potential effects of alcohol on dementia symptoms and treatment. Knowing the effects alcohol may have on cognitive function can help you make the best decisions about drinking.

Alcohol-Related Brain Damage vs. Dementia

Heavy long-term drinking can cause alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), a condition that changes the structure of the brain and affects how it works. Drinking heavily also increases the risk of strokes and traumatic brain injuries.

While ARBD shares some symptoms with other forms of dementia, such as memory and thinking problems, it is important to understand that ARBD isn’t the same as other forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a form of alcohol-related dementia. Specifically, it’s caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, which can happen to people who have been drinking heavily for an extended time. ARBD can lead to problems with brain function, including memory, thinking, and daily tasks. However, these symptoms may improve if the person stops drinking.

Does Alcohol Cause Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Types?

Researchers don’t fully agree on how alcohol affects brain health and aging. Some studies show protective effects from alcohol, while others say alcohol is a risk factor for dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other health problems.

A large study on the drinking habits of 4 million adults in Korea attempted to measure the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that:

• Those who drank lightly (not every day) ended up having a 21 percent lower rate of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia than those who didn’t drink at all.
• Those who drank moderate amounts (one to two drinks daily) had a 17 percent lower rate.
• Those who drank heavily (three or more drinks daily) had an 8 percent higher rate of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Correlational studies like this can’t show cause and effect. However, these findings support the theory that some alcohol might be protective and that too much alcohol is damaging.

It’s important to note that many factors may influence a person’s decision to drink alcohol. For example, drinking alcohol is associated with a higher risk of many common cancers, including breast cancer.

Does Alcohol Make Dementia Worse?

Some studies suggest that any alcohol use may worsen dementia, while others have found that only heavy drinking poses a clear risk.

In mouse studies, alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or speed up its progression. One possible reason: Alcohol appears to make it harder for the brain to clear out amyloid plaques — clumps of abnormal protein that build up in the brain. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that alcohol may also accelerate the loss of brain cells.

Together, these animal studies suggest that even moderate alcohol use may not be a healthy choice for brain health.

Importantly, results from animal studies don’t always apply directly to people. Still, this research raises concerns that even seemingly modest drinking may not be harmless. Animal studies help scientists understand how alcohol affects the brain at a biological level — and can guide future research in humans.

A 2016 study of 360 people with Alzheimer’s disease found that only heavy drinking was linked to faster cognitive decline. People who drank heavily — eight or more drinks per week — experienced significantly greater decline than those who drank seven or fewer.

Notably, moderate drinkers declined at a similar rate as people who didn’t drink at all. This suggests that light to moderate alcohol use may not worsen symptoms for everyone with Alzheimer’s — though more research is needed.

The type of alcohol you consume may also affect your Alzheimer’s symptoms. In the 2016 study mentioned above, drinking hard liquor — as opposed to beer or wine — was found to make a person’s condition progress more quickly.

Alcohol and Alzheimer’s Medication

Some medications for Alzheimer’s disease may interact with alcohol, so it’s important to be mindful of any possible issues. Understanding whether it’s safe for you or your loved one with Alzheimer’s to drink is crucial.

For example, people with dementia may be prescribed medication to help them sleep at night. Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can be dangerous and increase the risk of unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness.

If you aren’t sure whether alcohol is compatible with a certain medication, be on the safe side. Don’t drink alcohol until you have more information from your doctor, pharmacist, or neurologist, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific health profile and prescribed treatments.

Deciding Whether To Drink With Alzheimer’s

The choice to drink less or stop drinking is a personal decision that should be made with the advice of a healthcare professional. Heavy or binge drinking is not good for anyone, but there is mixed evidence about moderate alcohol use and dementia.

It is crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your specific concerns and questions, including your individual health risk factors beyond dementia. Be sure to provide a comprehensive list of all your current medications, including any over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to ensure they are safe to consume with alcohol, as your healthcare team is best positioned to offer tailored advice for your unique situation.

When Could Drinking Be Problematic?

Recognizing when alcohol consumption becomes problematic is an important step. If you or your loved one experiences difficulty controlling how much alcohol is consumed, feels negative emotions when not drinking, or believes that alcohol is negatively impacting their life or relationships, these could be indicators of an alcohol use disorder.

If your loved one feels like you can’t limit how much you drink or you continue drinking even if it’s hurting you or others, it’s time to talk to the doctor. Your healthcare team is your best resource for getting medical advice when it comes to limiting the negative effects alcohol may have on your life.

Find Your Team

On myALZteam, the online social network for people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their experiences with others who understand life with dementia.

Has an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis impacted your or your loved one’s drinking habits? Are you concerned about how the occasional glass of wine will affect your memory? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a discussion on your Activities page.