211648

Hi guys, really down today, need some support.

Went to the doctors today a specialist and after only 10 months of heavy drinking (not every day( and 8 weeks of binge drinking every night, I have the diagnosis of early alcohol dementia.

I have been sober for nearly 4 months and there has been no change or improvement in my ability to form new memories and I have lost countless past memories. Suffer very badly from confusion.

Has anyone ever heard of a 24 year getting this condition, its evil and has destroyed my life.

eh1988

That's terrible, I'm sorry to hear that. I haven't heard of alcohol dementia in a young person such as yourself, is there anything that you can do to help it?

lilac0721

Oh my, I am sorry to hear that. I have not heard of someone so young being diagnosed with early alcohol dementia. I have met a young woman who, at age 18, was told by her doctors that her liver was that of a 50-year old.

Please don't lose hope. Our bodies and brains are incredible creations. Work with your doctor and keep coming to SR for support in staying away from alcohol. And if you have support in your area (AA, SMART, or any other in person support groups) check them out.

fuzzy1

The confusion seems to be pretty "normal" to me 4 months into sobriety. That probably will change at some point. We use only about 60% of our brain anyways and if you stay hopefully sober there will be improvement in your capacities. Over the years I have gotten more and more memories back (some I wish I hadn't :-)), but there is surely some stuff I still can't remember. It differs for everyone. Don't be too hard on yourself.
What are you doing to stay sober?

MsJax

Do know it is always smart to get a second (& even 3rd) opinion. Yes, it sounds like a very serious issue, but that is just one doctors diagnosis. Being sober can only help, regardless. Take care of yourself. Be seen by another.

Sapling

I agree with fuzzy...I was by no means normal at four months...It takes a little time...Should be a good reason to quit for good though..

Impurrfect

I'm sorry for your diagnosis, but I know of people your age who have died from alcoholism, so I'm not totally surprised. We think, when we're young (I'm WAY past being young) that we're invincible.

I used to be a nurse (addiction ended that career) and I worked in an ICU for neuro things (brain). I can't tell you, for sure, that you will regain what you had, but I can tell you that the brain is pretty remarkable. Don't give up hope. The brain takes a looooong time, sometimes, to show improvement, but I've seen it happen in people I never thought it would. I'm not trying to give you false hope..this is only something that time will tell.

Sticky notes are pretty handy...I went through a period of PTSD where I couldn't remember something 5 minutes later. I used sticky notes for everything..just to go to the store, I had to write down "purse, keys, wallet in purse? phone, where I was going, what I was going for". Did I like it? Absolutely not, but it did help.

I am praying this is something you can overcome, and I have to say...I'm very grateful you posted because there are so many young people who think "aww, that won't happen to ME! I'm young!!"

Many hugs and prayers coming your way,

Amy

Lipitor

hang in my friend ..

eh1988

I agree with MsJax, maybe even see a neurologist if you can.

Jitterbugg

Make sure you get a second opinion! 24 yrs old is absolutely unheard of for alcohol induced dementia, especially after only 10 months of drinking.

macknacat

yep- like the others are saying- First: you are young and have a very "elastic" brain . I have seen a lot of Traumatic Brain Injuries and the range of rehab is huge.
Second- putting down the booze and any other mind altering chemicals can ONLY HELP.
Third- there are many ways, i am sure , to get some "brain training" done. For me, going to a lot of AA and NA seemed to work. I worked the steps, which involved writing and forcing as much memory as i could muster, I read literature about my disease and then got back into reading in general and I reaquainted myself with a bunch of social skills I had let slide - eventually I even became quite passable as a public speaker....

So yes , hang in there- at 13 or 14 months clean/sober I leapt out of my bed one morning because i suddenly realized I had memorized , like ten phone numbers. I honestly danced for joy.

Anna

I think that considering a second opinion for another dr could be helpful. I'm really sorry that you're going through this.

sugarbear1

give yourself at least 4 more months, maybe even 8.

Kpit50

I hope things get better.

aussieblue

Sorry your going through this.

phoebe64

How is your liver? I have heard of HE(hepatic encephalopathy) due to liver disease. And, at such a young age, I would hope time with being sober may help you imrpove. A second opinion sounds like a good idea.

I wish you the best and am sorry for your diagnosis.

Rochele

langkah

Sorry to hear this. You'll need to be very strong to deal with it and I hope you'll reach out locally for f2f support and friendships.

eJoshua

I am sorry to hear you're going through that, but the first thing I would do would be to go get a second opinion. I personally don't put a lot of faith into what doctors say since I've seen them wrong time and time again. Don't give up hope; it's quite possible you'll be just fine.

Muunray

It's been over a year since I quit drinking and I continue to notice improvements in my memory and thought processes. So I expect more improvement yet! Hang in there and take care of yourself!

instant

When we stop poisoning ourselves our bodies can do the best they can to heal