How Alcohol Is Linked To Memory Loss

From immediate side effects such as impaired vision to long term side effects including everlasting confusion, alcohol consumption is known to impact the way in which an individual’s brain works.

But did you know that alcohol is also linked to memory loss?

With a greater number of individuals participating in binge drinking and becoming addicted to alcohol, the way in which alcohol is linked to memory loss should be considered.

In order to provide a greater understanding, we have explained how alcohol is linked to memory loss here.

How Alcohol Is Linked to Memory Loss

As alcohol is consumed and the euphoria of the toxins take over, an individual’s memory is almost instantly altered.  However, as the effects of alcohol wear off, many regain their memory.

Sadly, when an individual frequently participates in binge drinking or suffers from an alcohol addiction, memory is often compromised. This is because alcohol use damages an individual’s short and long term memory.

A report published by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in 2020 confirmed that individuals that consume a significant amount of alcohol will suffer from at least 30% more memory-related issues than an individual that does not drink alcohol.

It should also be noted that research further indicates that the younger an individual begins to consume large amounts of alcohol, the greater the ramifications on their memory and cognitive performance will be.

This is because alcohol consumption at a young age interferes with the brain’s development.  As a result, the main areas of the brain that are responsible for an individual’s memory, such as the hippocampus and the frontal cortex, will undoubtedly feel the ramifications.

Alcohol and Short Term Memory Loss

As touched on above, as alcohol is consumed and toxins enter an individual’s bloodstream, many short term memory loss problems are encountered within 24 hours.

One of the most common short term memory loss problems experienced are alcohol blackouts, which can also cause personality changes. Blackouts are experienced as alcohol obstructs the hippocampus.

Memory loss is experienced when the hippocampus is obstructed.  This is because the hippocampus is responsible for ensuring that an individual can store and retrieve memories.

When obstructed by alcohol, the hippocampus is unable to process events and store them as memories.  In turn, this sees an individual with a limited recollection of events that occurred upon consuming large quantities of alcohol.

Short term memory loss can also include an individual’s ability to remember how to carry out and perform certain tasks.  This is because alcohol hinders the function of the cerebellum.

Alcohol and Long Term Memory Loss

While the short term effects that alcohol consumption has on an individual’s memory will typically wear off within a relatively short time frame, alcohol can have long-lasting ramifications on an individual’s memory.

Alcohol will usually have long term ramifications on an individual’s memory when alcohol has been consumed on a regular basis over a vast amount of time.

Often, those with long term memory loss issues will have suffered from an alcohol addiction at some point in their life.

Sadly, the greater the length of time that alcohol addiction is present, the more significant the memory loss will be.

This is because the hippocampus and frontal cortex will gradually become permanently damaged.  Sadly, this damage will significantly reduce an individual’s ability to form long term memories.

It should be noted that long term memory loss is often irreversible due to the changes that will take place within the brain.

Although this may be somewhat disheartening to hear, seeking support for an alcohol addiction can help salvage an individual’s memory.

How Alcohol Is Linked To Memory Loss

As we can determine from the above information, alcohol is linked to memory loss as it reduces the function of the hippocampus and the frontal cortex.  In turn, individuals that consume large amounts of alcohol will be unable to store and retrieve memories, form long term memories, or remember how to carry out certain functions.

Although memory loss is often inevitable as an individual ages, significant alcohol consumption can prematurely impair an individual’s memory beyond repair.

However, reducing alcohol consumption can help to preserve memory and ensure that the key areas in the brain that are responsible for an individual’s memory can function as they should.

Alcohol and Memory Loss Symptoms

If you are currently struggling with an alcohol addiction, or know someone who is, and would like to uncover the symptoms that are often present when alcohol impairs an individual’s memory, we have made note of just a few of the symptoms that are likely to be experienced below.

• –     Forgetting what someone has said shortly after they have said it
• –     Struggling to remember what happened when under the influence of alcohol
• –     Blackouts
• –     Heightened bouts of confusion
• –     Difficulty following conversations
• –     Difficulty finding the right words to use when talking to someone

Many of these symptoms are associated with memory disorders and alcohol consumption.  If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and regularly consume large quantities of alcohol, we would urge you to contact either your local GP or a drug and alcohol rehab.

Contact Action Rehab Today

With an understanding of how alcohol is linked to memory loss, you may be concerned that your memory is compromised due to the amount of alcohol you consume.

If you have found yourself struggling with an alcohol addiction, we can help you obtain the treatment you need to not only overcome your addiction but preserve your memory too.

With the help of medical professionals, you will have the opportunity to address your addiction and make a long term recovery.  As touched on above, taking advantage of the treatment available to you for an alcohol addiction can also help to preserve your memory.

Simply give us a call today on 0151 268 6992 and a member of our admissions team will be on hand to listen to your needs, advise suitable treatment and locate a suitable drug and alcohol rehab for you.

Posted on Friday, December 18th, 2020 at 9:18 am in Alcoholism, Latest News.