Effect of Alcohol on Aging and Cognitive Decline
What is the effect of Alcohol on Aging and Cognitive Decline?
Alcohol has a direct impact on the aging process for many reasons as it impacts certain parts of the body and can cause not only a physical deterioration but also a mental and emotional one, which we know also impacts the condition and aging process of the body. Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, dry skin, and makes vital organs weaker, all of which causes the aging process to happen faster than one who is not consuming alcohol. Alcohol consumption goes straight to the brain, and can kills brain cells, which is another reason it impacts aging.
There is also a significant amount of data that shows that brain damage is a common and severe consequence of long-term alcohol consumption. There is data that supports this and shows middle aged and older adults who have a history or ongoing use of alcohol consumption leads to a lower density of gray matter in the frontal and parietal brain regions. Because of this, a person can experience several cognitive impairments and overall decline. Some specific examples of cognitive decline as a result of alcohol consumption include but are not limited to: attention, problems with processing speed, working memory, spatial processing, impulsivity, verbal fluency and verbal. Alcohol consumption can also lead to dementia.
Sample Treatment Plan for Co-Occurring Alcohol Use and Depression?
In some cases it’s not clear what comes first, alcohol or depression, however, as part of treatment planning it’s important to identify underlying core issues or unresolved trauma as it is shown such is what leads to the coping and symptoms of alcohol use and depression. Research shows that when a person’s treatment is primarily focused on treating the underlying core issues or wounds, over the course of care and treatment, the symptoms of alcohol use and depression heal and improve. It’s important to note, in some cases it may not be appropriate to address one’s unresolved trauma. There needs to be proper evaluation and assessment to determine the best treatment approach, while taking in consideration factors such as age and the severity of one’s use and overall condition.
Treatment planning is an individual process that is developed based off not only the individuals presenting problem(s) but also history, including length and severity of use and depressed symptoms. While both “disorders” or better known as “responses” are present, in some cases it’s necessary to treat the alcohol use by completing the detoxification process whereas in other cases, the individual may not need detoxification. This is case by case.
The most effective treatment plans are ones that are created with goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART) while using a mix of evidenced based modalities to support the individual being treated with successfully completing treatment plan goals. Some modalities most often used are as follows: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). While these modalities are proven to work, it’s imperative that the individual participate in body work such as breathing and movement as a way to help the body regulate. Cognitive work is important and helps, however, one can’t think their way through trauma, which means one can’t think their way into healing their alcohol dependence and/or depression. The mind, body, and spirit must be treated as one.
If deemed clinically and/or medically necessary, medication is often a part of the treatment process. Treatment for both alcohol use and depression can occur in a private practice setting and/or within a structured treatment environment at different levels of care (detoxification, residential, day/night, intensive outpatient, and outpatient). The setting for treatment is typically determined after proper evaluation and assessment of the individuals overall condition. It’s important to note that part of the treatment plan is recommended to include not only day-to-day lifestyle changes but also creating a safe aftercare plan that invites ongoing support and connection.
What is the effect of alcohol on bone marrow?
Alcohol use can contribute to bone disease as it is shown to reduce peak bone mass and can result in weakening the bones, leading the individual to be more susceptible to fractures and other injuries. Alcohol use interferes with the ongoing balance between erosion and remodeling of bone tissue. It is also shown that long-term alcohol use leads to osteoporosis and this is likely to be a result of the impacts alcohol has on bones and the body, and how it interrupts cell repair and other communications that take place between the brain and body.
What are the First Signs of Liver Damage from Alcohol?
Some of the first noticeable signs of liver damage as a result of alcohol use are as follows but not limited to abdominal pain, including abdominal swelling, skin changes, abnormal bleeding may occur (in the gums, nosebleeds, vomiting or coughing up blood, bloody stool bowel movements), loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, and low energy or fatigue, and jaundice.
Can Alcohol-Induced Hypertension be reversed?
Yes, alcohol-induced hypertension can be reduced and this is typically accomplished by the stop of alcohol use, diet and other lifestyles changes, and sometimes medication is prescribed to assist with the reversal. It’s important to note, that most (but not all) can be accomplished with consistent, lifestyle changes and this is one of those areas.
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