When dementia or Alzheimer’s is developed by a person with a history of alcohol abuse, families can encounter a difficult situation and one that is hard to manage.
Certain skills are needed for someone to function at an independent level. Unfortunately, these functions decline faster when dementia is combined with alcoholism. What’s more, safety concerns for this individual can be raised as well as the development of worsening behavioral issues.
Do you have a loved one who fits this scenario? Are you having a harder time caring for them, the further their condition progresses? If so, the choice of a community that offers memory care for dementia patients may be the best option.
In the meantime, here are some tips for caring for a loved one who has a combination of a history of alcohol abuse and a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Tips for the Management of Alcohol Dementia
Important: A specific diagnosis of alcohol dementia can differ from a person who is an alcoholic but has also been diagnosed with dementia. A professional opinion will help determine treatment options.
The sooner you can speak with a healthcare professional who deals with alcohol dementia, the better. In the meantime, the following tips may help you care for your loved one until a better situation can be provided:
- Why do they drink? While your loved one may not be able to give you a specific reason for their dependency on alcohol, by observing what they do and say, you may be able to pick up clues. Are they grieving? Lonely? Anxious? Depressed? You may want to speak to an experienced therapist or psychiatrist if you think the problem may be an emotional one.
- Protection is important. This applies to both your loved one and you, yourself. Against any violent behavior or angry outbursts, you must protect yourself. In some cases, you may have to protect your loved one from themselves, as well. Professional intervention, sooner than later, is recommended.
- Take safety measures. This goes along with what was just referred to but consider doing the following for everyone’s safety: Lock away toxic liquids, secure doors (consider alarms), lock away weapons and sharp objects, and prevent impaired driving.
- Try substituting. Depending on the level of dementia, you may be able to substitute nonalcoholic wine and/or beer for the drinks your loved one ordinarily prefers. Check online for reasonable nonalcoholic substitutions as to which are the most believable.
- Get rid of all alcohol. Money that your loved one may spend on alcohol might have to be hidden or taken away. Tell grocery stores and liquor stores not to deliver alcohol to your residence. Make sure that no alcohol is purchased (or given as a gift) by friends and/or family members. In addition to getting rid of actual alcoholic drinks, eliminate innocent sources such as cough syrup, certain mouthwashes, etc.
Note: Before you do this, make sure it is a safe option. Unintended side effects could be the result if severe withdrawal will be experienced by your loved one due to your having removed all alcohol.
Is Memory Care Appropriate? Seek out Professional Assistance
If you have a loved one who has a history of being an alcoholic and has now been diagnosed with a cognitive condition such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, a memory care program may be the best option for them. It’s important to get a diagnosis as to whether your loved one has “alcohol dementia” versus standard dementia (and they just happen to also be an alcoholic).
