The issue of alcohol-associated cognitive impairment is a topic of great concern because alcohol consumption is so prevalent in today’s society especially as the general population is getting older with each passing day as people live longer. According to the study, the consumption of alcohol within suggested limits was not essentially related to the risk of ARD or alcohol-related dementia and cognitive decline even with mild alcohol consumption. It was found in the study that the current use of heavy alcohol was linked with significantly worse scores on global memory, cognition, motor function, and learning in older participants of the study.
An important thing figured out after reading the article “Dual Diagnosis Among Older Adults: Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Illness” is that alcohol-related cognitive impairment is not only associated with heavy drinking but moderate drinking can also have serious effects on an older adult’s cognitive function. Due to heavy alcohol consumption, older adults suffer serious disorders that include “alcohol-related dementia, transient alcohol-induced cognitive decline, and acute intoxication” that compromise their physical and mental well-being (Bartels et al.).
The authors of the research study suggest that the risk of developing alcohol-related cognitive decline can be reduced by limiting consumption of alcohol and seeking medical help if one experiences any symptoms of cognitive impairment. It is also because older adults are more likely to take medicines for certain chronic conditions that when mixed with heavy alcohol consumption harm body organs, liver in particular, which increases toxic effects of alcohol on the brain. Therefore, in conclusion, it is crucial to be mindful of the amount of alcohol that should be consumed and its potential effects on the lives of older adults especially on their cognitive health when consumed in large quantities.
Works Cited
Bartels, Stephen J., et al. “Dual Diagnosis among Older Adults: Co-Occurring Substance Abuse and Psychiatric Illness.” Journal of Dual Diagnosis, vol. 2, no. 3, 2006, pp. 9–30.
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