1. Alcohol-Related Dementia
Hillary Ransom

2. What is alcohol-related dementia?
A form of dementia related to the excessive drinking over a period of years; causing damage to the frontal part of your brain, resulting in the inability to make rational decisions, loss of memory and learning ability.

3. The Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Werenicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, WKS, is a result from alcohol-related dementia.
The symptoms of the 2 are closely related with the exception that people with WKS have a tendency to “confabulate” (make up or invent new events)

4. Effects on Language
Alcohol-related dementia leads to brain shrinkage and brain damages; which inhibits your ability to speak properly and form clear and concise sentences.
The effect it has on language is tremendous since most of the damage is being done to the brain.
Short term memory loss which results in fabricating life events.
Inability to communicate with individuals due to their other complications they suffer from
Cannot form thought patterns
Problems finding words, inability to correctly use and apply a word
Inability to follow conversations, especially within a group of people, because their attention span becomes so short
Constantly repeating a question; like we learned in this semester, people who have a problem with retaining information or remembering, often times repeat something multiple times or say it over and over again

5. Causes
Alcohol abuse…more than what is consider moderate(which is one drink a day for women, or two drinks a day for men).
Nutritional problems (accompany heavy use of alcohol)…when key parts of your brain do not get the sufficent amount of nutrients

6. Symptoms Mental confusion Amnesia (a permanent gap in memory)
Apathetic
Inattentive
Easily agitated
Short term memory loss
Inability to learn
Ataxia
Slow-walking
Tremor-like movements
Paralysis
Senses damaged
Comas can occur
Disorientation
Loss of problem solving skills
Communication problems
Changes in personality
Paranoia
Angry

7. Prevention
The most obvious way to prevent ARD or WKS is to drink in moderation, but for some people it isn’t that easy. So for those who already suffer there are some things they can do to help lessen the harshness of the disorder.

8. Treatment Community and family support is vital.
Hospitilization may be required to monitor the body to make sure no more damage will be done
Thiamin [Vitamin B1] may improve or lessen many of the symptoms the patient is suffering from, injections can be given, by mouth, vein or muscle
Well-balanced diet is key
Positive and uplifting people to be around.
Making sure the patient is in a very safe and healthy environment.
Never reprimanding or belittling
Patience is key to helping in the process

9. Intervention
If someone you know or love, is abusing alcohol it is important that you get them professional help, because that is the only way to ensure their health is safe. The long-term effects are drastic and a lot of people are unaware of the seriousness that comes from heavy drinking. It is important that we educate those around us who are abusing alcohol of the consequences that may follow in the future.

10. Intervention Continued
All ages should be aware of the danger that comes from alcohol abuse. Steps you should take to ensure that you do the right thing include:
Talk to them, let them know you only care for their future.
Let them know the consequences
Seek professional help

11. In Language, Aging and Health we have learned how certain disorders inhibit your language patterns. This is the case with ARD/WKS --even though it is not as prevalent as some other disorders, its damage is drastic and we must educate people to stop.