PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 2871423

Alcoholic dementia: a hypothesis.

W A Lishman
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Dementia in alcoholics may depend to a large degree on cortical cholinergic deficiency resulting from involvement of key basal forebrain nuclei in a Wernicke-type pathology. Other neurotransmitter functions may also be implicated. Such a model accounts for the difficulty in establishing alcoholic dementia as a distinct disorder and in distinguishing it from Alzheimer's disease.

Explore related subjects

Alcohol Amnestic DisorderCerebral CortexDementiaHumansModels, PsychologicalPsychoses, AlcoholicWernicke EncephalopathyJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

W A Lishman. 1986-05-24. Alcoholic dementia: a hypothesis.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(86)91162-1

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2004

Cognitive impairment in substance abuse.

Conventional wisdom, and even well-reasoned theoretical mechanisms, suggests that the chronic use of psychoactive substances would impair cognitive functioning of individuals. This article summarizes the research literature with regard to specific drugs of abuse. Undoubtedly, acute intoxication and immediate and protracted withdrawal produce transient alterations of cognitions that can persist for weeks to months. Some subtle residual effects remain for up to 1 year for certain drugs. Evidence of irreversible effects is less clear. Even subtle lingering effects can impact treatment efforts, yet they often go undetected or unaddressed.

Alcohol Amnestic Disorder↗
PubMed2004

Alcohol: use, abuse and dependence.

As a drug, alcohol has grave bio-psychosocial effects on patients, their families and society in general. It is very important that clinicians be able to recognise, admit and thoroughly treat alcoholism. Subsequent to the indicated treatment of intoxication and withdrawal, the clinician should outline sound incentives (external initially, becoming internal in time) for rehabilitation and continued sobriety. A variety of alcohol-induced medical and psychiatric disorders should be recognised by doctors, and should be treated or referred appropriately. The multidisciplinary team should be involved, and doctors should not hesitate to seek help and advice. Alcoholism is potentially quite treatable.

Alcohol Amnestic Disorder↗