Age and Drinking History:
For example, a 50-year-old with a long history of heavy drinking might notice they frequently forget things they just did but can still remember old friends' names or past events. This is more likely alcohol-related memory damage.
On the other hand, a 70-year-old who not only forgets new information but also struggles to recognize familiar faces might be showing signs of Alzheimer’s.
Type of Memory Problem:
If you give someone with a history of heavy drinking a new phone number, they might forget it within minutes. However, if you present them with multiple options, they might recognize the correct one. This suggests their “recognition” ability is relatively intact.
In contrast, someone with Alzheimer’s may neither remember the number nor recognize it from the options provided.
Other Symptoms:
If someone not only experiences memory problems but also has trouble walking steadily, frequently falls, or struggles with coordination, these are signs of alcohol-related brain and nerve damage.
Meanwhile, someone who often gets lost in familiar places, has trouble finding the right words, or becomes disoriented about time and place is more likely showing early signs of Alzheimer’s.
Response to Abstinence:
For instance, a person with years of heavy drinking who quits alcohol might notice their attention and memory gradually improving. This indicates the issue was alcohol-related.
However, someone with Alzheimer’s won’t see such improvement even after quitting alcohol. In fact, their memory and cognitive decline will continue to worsen over time.
