Long-Term Effects of Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol can cause permanent brain damage and affect one’s day to day life. Here are some long-term effects of alcohol.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Korsakoff syndrome is one form of alcohol-related brain damage. Korsakoff syndrome often appears after an episode of Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which is acute alcohol-related brain dysfunction.
There are two conditions, but since they complement each other, together they are called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This condition affects people who are severely deficient in thiamine (vitamin B-1). [5] Excessive alcohol consumption makes it more difficult for the body to absorb this nutrient, but other issues, such as severe eating disorders, cancer, AIDS, and conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, may also cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Some symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy include:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Malnourishment resulting to significant weight loss
- Trouble moving the eyes or strange and jerky eye movements
- Poor balance
Following Wernicke’s encephalopathy, the person may develop signs of Korsakoff syndrome. This disorder is a type of dementia.
Symptoms include:
- Memory problems, in particular, difficulties forming new memories
- Poor judgment
- Decreased planning and organizational skills
- Mood and personality changes
- Hallucinations
Progressively worsening cognitive decline that may affect every area of functioning, including speech, vision, and bowel and bladder function.
To recover from Korsakoff syndrome, your doctor will recommend extra intake of vitamin supplements and complete abstinence from alcohol. This may help reverse your condition. You should see improvement within the first 2 years after stopping drinking.