Saskia

A lecture given recently by a doctor who specializes in diseases/problems of the aging brain made several comments about how alcohol affects the aging brain. Here is a brief summary of his comments:

Even moderate use of alcohol can slow or impair communication.

Moderate alcohol use can result in poor driving, slurred speech, fuzzy memory, drowsiness, dizziness.

Moderate alcohol use can result in changes to balance, memory, emotions, coordination and body temperature.

There are enough challenges with aging that we don't need to add more!

SoberLeigh

Scary but not surprising.

Another great reason to stay sober. One of these days, we'll be even happier and more grateful that we chose sobriety.

FormerWineGirl

I'm already terrified that my brain will fail me, as my dad is in advanced stage Alzheimer's at 72. So Glad I stopped drinking when I did, but sometimes I wonder if I did any permanent damage ��

SoberLeigh

I am sorry about your Dad, FormerWineGirl.

esinger

I see this happening and it's been getting worse. How do you tell this to an family member in their 80's that's been slipping fast and drinking 80 proof fermented corn by the clock.. I guess you don't but it sure is sad.

SoberLeigh

I am sorry about your family member, too, singer.

EndGameNYC

Cognitive abilities generally decline with age, just like the rest of our functioning. Adding alcohol only makes things worse and can speed up the aging process even in younger drinkers. With the elderly -- and those over sixty-five are a growing group in terms of alcohol use -- drinking only makes things much worse, much more quickly.

Soberwolf

When I was working a lot of my colleagues (mainly Russians) played sudoku to help thier brain 'to make it strong' as they said but I believe it does Mrs sw does sudoku & I like wordsearches from my times in hospitals

Also Dr Daniel Amen has a great book change your brain a fantastic insightful read well worth checking out

Here's a Ted talk if anyone wants it its here & in my scrapbook

https://www.ted.com/talks/sandrine_t...lls_here_s_how

hpdw

Change your thoughts change your life by Wayne Dyer .

Thanks for your post Saskia .

SW thanks for the links here and in your scrapbook .

Soberwolf

Ive read that Wayne Dyer book its excellent

Saskia

I'm already there - just over 70 and very happy and relieved to be sober for 16 months today. I've had some very lengthy periods of sobriety in the past but now feel much more settled. With SR, IOP, AA, and pdoc, I feel that I've finally kicked this for good. My brain is clearing and my mood is so much better. Another go-around would, I firmly believe, be the end of enjoyment in my life and likely the end of my life, too. I highly recommend getting and staying sober long before you get to my age!

happyandfree

Thanks for the video, sober wolf. This is a great topic and one of concern to me. I agree with you saskia...I am in my 60's and I feel that my brain is functioning so much better since I quit drinking. Congratulations on 16 months! !!!!

PurpleKnight

Yeap . . . it's a serious business is alcohol!!