Alcohol amnestic disorder

Alcohol amnestic disorder is a type of cognitive disorder associated with chronic alcoholism. It is characterized by a long-term memory deficit, in the absence of clouded consciousness and other cognitive abnormalities.

Definition

Alcohol amnestic disorder, also known as alcohol-induced persisting amnestic disorder, is a condition in which a person's ability to recall personal experiences or learned information is impaired due to the long-term use of alcohol. This disorder is not due to a general medical condition and is not better accounted for by another mental disorder.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of alcohol amnestic disorder is memory impairment, which can be both anterograde (difficulty forming new memories) and retrograde (difficulty recalling past events). Other symptoms may include confusion, disorientation, and problems with attention or concentration.

Causes

The exact cause of alcohol amnestic disorder is not known, but it is believed to be due to the direct effects of alcohol on the brain, particularly the hippocampus, a region involved in memory formation. Chronic alcohol use can lead to neurotoxicity, which can damage neurons and lead to memory impairment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of alcohol amnestic disorder is based on the patient's history of alcohol use, the presence of memory impairment, and the exclusion of other potential causes of amnesia. Neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the extent of memory impairment.

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol amnestic disorder involves abstaining from alcohol and treating any underlying nutritional deficiencies, particularly thiamine deficiency, which is common in people with chronic alcoholism. Cognitive rehabilitation may also be beneficial.

Prognosis

The prognosis for alcohol amnestic disorder varies. Some people may experience a partial or complete recovery of memory function with abstinence from alcohol and appropriate treatment, while others may have persistent memory deficits.

See also

• Alcohol-related dementia
• Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Alcohol and health
• Amnesia