TY  - JOUR
T1  - A 74-year-old man with memory loss and neuropathy who enjoys alcoholic beverages
AU  - Brust JM
Y1  - 2008/03/05
N1  - 10.1001/jama.299.5.jrr80000
JO  - JAMA
SP  - 1046
EP  - 1054
VL  - 299
IS  - 9
N2  - Adverse effects of alcohol on the peripheral and central nervous system can be direct (ie, neurotoxicity) or indirect (eg, nutritional deficiency). Using the case of Mr E, an older, moderate to heavy drinker experiencing memory difficulty, the diagnostic considerations, which include mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer dementia, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and “alcoholic dementia,” are discussed. These disorders are not mutually exclusive, and in a patient with either mild cognitive impairment or dementia, the contributory role of alcohol can be difficult to determine. In fact, epidemiological studies suggest that mild to moderate intake of alcohol actually reduces the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer dementia. Appropriate management includes measures to reduce alcohol dependence (eg, behavioral or pharmacological therapy) and to delay progression of the cognitive impairment (eg, engaging in healthy behaviors such as cognitive leisure activities).
SN  - 0098-7484
M3  - doi: 10.1001/jama.299.5.jrr80000
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.299.5.jrr80000
ER  -