Another, less common used, name for this condition is alcohol dementia. Not all alcoholics get dementia, however, excessive alcohol consumption can impact the brain and may put a person at a higher risk of developing dementia. While thiamine deficiency can happen to people with poor diets, it is more common in those who drink heavily over the course of many years. Alcohol not only prevents the body from getting enough thiamine from a person’s diet, but alcohol use also depletes the body’s thiamine stores, which are held in the liver. The enzymes that turn thiamine into an active compound the body can use are preventing from working when someone consumes large amounts of alcohol.
Wernicke’s Encephalopathy
- Additionally, alcohol reduces the body’s ability to absorb thiamine, which can harm the brain’s ability to function normally.
- A banana bag is a bag of fluids given intravenously to individuals for rehydration and vitamin and electrolyte deficiency.
- Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
- For example, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can result from the body’s inability to process large amounts of toxins from alcohol over time.
Fatigue is another frequent visitor – you might feel like you’ve run a marathon even if you’ve just been sitting at your desk. And let’s not forget about eye strain, especially if you’ve been staring at screens all day. Let’s dive into the world of cognitive overload and explore why our brains sometimes feel like they’re turning into a gooey puddle.
What Is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (“Wet Brain”)?
Vitamin B1 should be given as soon as possible to patients presenting with symptoms of the wet brain. A Vitamin B1 injection will help to address symptoms of confusion, delirium, vision problems, and trouble with muscle what is mush brain coordination. Rehabilitation programmes, whether inpatient or outpatient, offer structured support and therapy to help individuals overcome addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is effective in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms. Detoxification is the initial step, involving the removal of alcohol from the body. Individuals with Wet Brain may experience a shortened life expectancy.
- According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a person with wet brain is at risk of eventually developing a Korsakoff syndrome.
- The primary risk factor for alcoholic dementia is chronic, heavy alcohol use.
Why It Feels So Real
Wet brain syndrome (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome) is caused by nutritional deficiencies most commonly brought on by chronic heavy drinking. Untreated, long-term alcoholism can result in a host of negative consequences, from social isolation and unemployment to fatal cirrhosis of the liver. Wet brain syndrome is one of the Substance abuse physical risks of alcoholism that can’t be treated once it has progressed past a certain point. Medical experts say the best treatment for living with this disease is to stay sober, eat healthily and receive the most appropriate support for their ongoing cognitive and physical needs. Other vitamins and supplements which will help your body more effectively produce and utilize thiamine might also be recommended by your doctor.
Reach Out and Get Help for Your Alcohol Addiction
Abstinence from alcohol promotes continuous improvements in cognitive function. Having a disability and struggling with your mental health are two separate conditions that may intersect in different ways. Dementia involves the loss of cognitive abilities, like memory and reasoning, which affect daily life. It can appear on its own or as a symptom of several mental health conditions.
We may one day fully understand the relationship between excessive content consumption and cognitive changes in young people, but more exploration is needed. There isn’t a specific timeframe as to how long you’ll experience brain fog. Contact a healthcare provider if brain fog is interfering with your quality of life.
These are all valid fears that cause incalculable suffering for alcoholics and their loved ones. Alcoholic wet brain, or Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), is a lesser-known consequence of alcoholism, but the impact it has on sufferers is debilitating and deadly. Dr. Michael DeShields, MD, ASAM, DABAM, is a distinguished Medical Director with nearly 40 years of expertise in addiction medicine. His dedication and innovation continue to shape the field, guiding clinical teams and supporting patients on their recovery journey. Unfortunately, many people with AUD do not disclose the full extent of their alcohol use to their primary care providers. Being honest with your doctor about how much you are drinking will help them understand that alcohol may be the cause of WKS symptoms.
Care at Cleveland Clinic
Brain fog will generally resolve when the underlying cause is treated. That may not be easy given that conditions like hypothyroidism, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ADHD are long-lasting conditions whose symptoms can come and go. The term “brain fog” may be applied to the impairment of any cognitive task, including memory, understanding, paying attention, following instructions, or simply the ways that things are perceived. We offer a safe https://mevius77slot.com/the-best-free-accounting-software-in-excel-a/ detox program that can help you to cleanse your body from harmful chemicals such as alcohol.