I did not consider myself late stage. I did not realize I was having any serious health issues before I got sober. Three years ago I had a full workup the doctor told me my bloods were "gorgeous" (mid 40's I'll take anything being gorgeous)).
Fast forward three years. I had blood work done before I went to detox. Pretty much every level was skewed. One of the things my doctor had me tested for almost right away was ammonia levels. Apparently this is what causes brain damage. It is a secondary effect from the liver being unable to remove toxins. My ammonia levels were elevated.
It is scary to think of what is going on under our skin when we are drinking. I don't think most people achieve long term sobriety by being scared straight, but I know that it is one more thing to keep in front of me when the wine starts singing a siren song.