Alcohol and Memory Loss

Alcohol abuse is a serious condition for many reasons. One reason is that alcohol abuse can lead to several types of memory loss. Alcohol has significant impact on the brain's ability to make and retain memories. It creates a barrier for memory formation and memory recall, inhibits our brain function, and negatively impacts our ability to think clearly.

Alcohol and Memory Loss

Alcohol and Memory Loss

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Alcohol and Memory Loss

Alcohol and Memory Loss

There are different levels of memory loss related to alcohol abuse. The first level is fragMentary memory loss or "brownout." This occurs when a person drinks excessively and does not remember the events of that time period until someone else provides some clues or prompts: "Do you remember what you did last night?" This can be a scary question as the fuzzy images of the night beforebegin to reemerge in your memory.

Blackouts are the next level of memory loss. When a blackout occurs due to heavy alcohol consumption, the person will not be able to recall any of the events, even if prompted with cues. This is because the brain was not able to complete the process for making a memory. The person loses a gap of time and will not get it back.

A serious consequence of excessive drinking can be the developMent of alcohol deMentia, which is also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. This is a combination of two disorders. Wernicke's Disorder involves nerve damage in both the central and peripheral nervous system that is brought on by poor nutrition, especially thiamine levels low. Drinking alcohol can cause lower thiamin levels. Korsakoff'sSyndrome impAirs memory, problem-solving skills and learning abilities. One identifying symptom of Korsakoff's Syndrome is that the person will make up highly detailed stories about experiences they haven't had. This disorder is most commonly linked to alcoholism.

Memory loss due to alcohol abuse is a serious issue. If left untreated, alcoholism can lead to brain damage that has lasting effects on memory. Memory loss is a warning sign that excessive drinking is occurring.

Alcohol and Memory Loss