The harms of alcohol on the person with Parkinson's disease.

The harms of alcohol on the person with Parkinson's disease.

Index

  • The harm of alcohol on Parkinson's disease
    1. Brain damage, the common factor in alcohol and Parkinson's disease
    2. The effects of Parkinson's disease and alcohol on the brain
      1. The effects of Parkinson's disease on the brain
      2. The effects of alcohol on the brain
    3. Excessive alcohol consumption as a cause of dementia
      1. Wernicke-Korsakoff's encephalopathy
      2. Pellagra
    4. Alcohol and its effect on Parkinson's disease

The harm of alcohol on Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease starts with a trembling hand. This symptom appears when dopamine levels are falling. The neurons in the brain, which are involved in controlling movement, die slowly and gradually. The patient has no symptoms until 50 to 70% of the neurons are destroyed. At an advanced stage, his autonomy is limited and the loss of autonomy is obvious. Movements become blocked and walking becomes more and more difficult. The risk of falling is even to be feared. These symptoms are the same as those caused by the misdeeds of alcohol.

Brain damage, the common factor in alcohol and Parkinson's disease

Alcohol, like Parkinson's disease, destroys brain neurons when consumed in excess. More than half of all alcohol-drinking individuals have cognitive problems, which are caused by alcohol. These affect:

  • Memory
  • The praxies
  • Perceptive skills
  • Visual and motor skills
  • Development capacities

When alcohol consumption becomes chronic, the harms of alcohol prove to be harmful to health. They result in the massive destruction of neurons, which leads to a number of disorders, namely:

  • Dementia disorders
  • Memory disturbances, particularly in relation to recent events, due to damage to the brain's hippocampus.
  • Irremediable impairment of balance due to damage to the cerebellum and surrounding nerves.

The harm of alcohol is the destruction of neurons. Alcohol prevents the absorption of B vitamins, which are essential for the survival of neurons, during digestion. The mechanisms of transmission of nervous information are disturbed.

The effects of Parkinson's disease and alcohol on the brain

Studies have shown no link between alcohol consumption and Parkinson's disease. However, they both affect the brain and this is what they have in common.

The effects of Parkinson's disease on the brain

Parkinson's disease promotes the development of dementia as the disease progresses. Dementia often develops within 10 to 15 years after a doctor's diagnosis and after the age of 70. It is characterized by increased mental impairment. Intellectual functions decline as a result of a degeneration of brain neurons. Judgement, attention and memory are affected.

The effects of alcohol on the brain

Alcohol has a protective effect on the brain when consumed in small quantities. It activates the immune system and eventually contributes to the elimination of toxic molecules in the brain. On the other hand, when alcohol is drunk excessively, it promotes the development of neurodegenerative diseases, because too much alcohol causes a thiamine deficiency. The harmful effects of alcohol on the body should not be overlooked.

Neurocognitive disorders are one of the harms of alcohol. They can be prevented by limiting alcohol consumption to the minimum allowed. Smoking is also not recommended. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and physical exercise, is recommended.

Excessive alcohol consumption as a cause of dementia

Alcohol abuse triples the risk of dementia in alcoholics. In 8% of cases, dementia appearing before the age of 65 is due to very heavy consumption of this ethanol-containing drink. Alcohol abuse is the cause of more than half of the early dementias recorded in hospitals. Abuse is said to occur when a man consumes 6 or more glasses a day. For women, it is more than 4 drinks a day.

Alcohol-related harms consist of the deterioration of brain and cognitive functions leading to impaired social functioning. This is why all age groups, young, old and old alike, can be prone to dementia.

Wernicke-Korsakoff's encephalopathy

This is the most common type of alcohol-related dementia. The symptoms are:

  • Delirium
  • A memory deficit
  • A confusion

Pellagra

It is a rare condition that is due to a lack of niacin, vitamin B3, which is essential for the release of energy. This vitamin also helps to maintain normal skin. The symptoms are:

  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Spastic weakness

Alcohol and its effect on Parkinson's disease

There is no longer any need to prove the harmful effects of alcohol on health and the body. Difficulty maintaining balance is what alcohol and Parkinson's have in common. This is why alcohol consumption is not recommended, especially excessive drinking.

  • Excess alcohol promotes the development of various disorders, particularly in the brain.
  • Excess fat promotes obesity and contributes to the risk of various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.
  • Excess sugar promotes diabetes and increases blood sugar levels.

Common sense recommends banishing all excesses in the hygiene of life. The body will only be better off as a result.