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Can alcohol cause dementia?
Although there is no way to prevent dementia, certain lifestyle choices could increase the risk. Here, we explore how alcohol impacts the brain over time and could lead to dementia.
How could drinking alcohol affect the brain?
Alcohol is known to suppress the brain and central nervous system, affecting judgement and decision making. Over time, this can cause slow reaction times, slurred speech, and loss of vision focus. In older adults, effects are stronger as the body is unable to process alcohol as it once did, leading to more brain damage. One review of studies on cognition in later life found potential brain ageing risk, and an analysis of around 13,300 people found that consuming over 1 unit of alcohol per day can be detrimental to cognitive performance, particularly for older people.
The NHS confirms that regularly consuming over 14 units of alcohol a week for between 10 and 20 years could lead to issues like brain damage, and damage to the nervous system.
Can alcohol cause dementia?
Past research suggested that light-to-moderate drinking could have a protective effect against dementia, however this is now thought to be untrue. The most recent research using brain scans suggests that even small amounts of alcohol could increase a person’s risk of dementia, particularly after many years of heavy drinking. One 2025 study found that greater alcohol intake is associated with a steady increase in dementia risk.
Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to cause memory issues, difficulty concentrating, depression, and neurological conditions like Wernicke encephalopathy. It may also cause a condition called Korsakoff syndrome, which is a type of dementia brought on by excessive alcohol consumption over many years.
How can older people reduce their risk of developing dementia?
Although there is no way to prevent dementia from developing, some evidence shows that living a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk. It is recommended that older adults take steps to minimise loneliness, and keep their brains active as they age, through cognitively stimulating puzzles and games. Also, the NHS recommends:
- Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular exercise through a fitness routine
- Stopping smoking
- Managing blood pressure
- Sticking to the recommended alcohol limits of less than 14 units per week, and spreading consumption over 3 or more days in the week
If dementia is already present, it may be beneficial to avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol as this can cause further confusion.
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Get in touch Supporting an older loved one with dementia who struggles with alcohol
The Health Survey for England in 2021 shows older adults tend to drink more than younger age groups, despite having a generally lower tolerance for alcohol; 31% of people aged 16-24 drank once a week, and 59% of those aged 55-64 drank once a week.
If your loved one’s alcohol intake worries you due to dementia risk, it may be helpful to direct them to their GP who can discuss reducing their intake, and check for any early signs of dementia if they have concerns.
Providing them with social engagement and emotional support could help them better manage their alcohol intake, but they may also benefit from reaching out to:
- Silver Line helpline on 0800 4708 090
- Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650
- Admiral Nurse Dementia helpline on 0800 8886 678
Why Home Instead?
Having home care, whether visiting or live-in care, can help to support older adults in a number of ways, including providing emotional support to manage their alcohol intake, empowering them to create a healthier routine to reduce their dementia risk, or providing specialist dementia care if the person is already showing signs of the condition and needs help to continue living independently.
At Home Instead, our Care Professionals provide person-centred dementia care using a programme that is City & Guilds Assured. We are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can rest assured that your loved one is always in safe hands with our dedicated team.
