While links between heavy drinking, cancer and liver disease are well known, charities say relatively few people are aware of links to dementia
More action is needed to make people aware of the link between alcohol and dementia, say charities.
Age Scotland and Drink Wise Age Well say the risks are not well known enough.
They have produced a new study which shows the links between drinking heavily and forms of alcohol-related dementia alcohol-related dementia such as Wernicke – Korsakoff Syndrome.
While the link between heavy drinking and conditions like heart disease and liver disease is better understood as a result of extensive public health campaigns, far fewer people are aware of the link with dementia, say the charities.
Alcohol plays an increasing part in our society at this time of year therefore it is vital there is greater awareness of the risks
Last year a Scottish Social Attitudes Survey showed that for each of the five risk factors for dementia, including heavy drinking, only between a quarter and a half of respondents correctly identified these behaviours as risk factors.
Alcohol misuse in young adults is the biggest risk factor for men who develop early-onset dementia.
The new publication, Alcohol and Dementia, has been funded by the Life Changes Trust.
Keith Robson, deputy chief executive of Age Scotland, said: “Alcohol plays an increasing part in our society at this time of year, but it is important for all of us to be aware that not only heart disease and kidney problems can result from heavy drinking, but forms of dementia too.
“Loneliness and isolation can also be factors in people drinking more, and that is why Age Scotland believes it is so vital there is greater awareness of the risks attached.
“This publication provides information on the impact of drinking on the brain and on NHS guidelines on units of consumption as well. Age Scotland is committed to increasing awareness of dementia and risk factors for dementia through our Early Stage Dementia Project, and Alcohol and Dementia is an important part of that work.”
Julie Breslin, head of programme for Drink Wise, Age Well said: “Alcohol consumption and related harms are increasing in older adults but reducing in younger people, and as our ageing population grows we may start to see conditions such as dementia become more common.
“However, many older adults want to maintain their independence, health and well-being for as long as possible and it is important that reliable and accessible information, like this alcohol and dementia resource, is made available so they can make healthier choices”.
