HomeAnswersInternal Medicinememory lossMy friend suffers from memory loss, and it worsens when he drinks. What should we do?

Is geriatric memory loss a sign of dementia?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 20, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 20, 2022

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My friend takes the tablets Metformin, Lisinopril, Atorvastatin, and Allopurinol. He is suffering from memory loss. He got lost for 30 minutes last night while walking to a restaurant without drinking. When he drinks, he becomes even worse. He has no recollection of speaking with his brother two days ago. He is losing short-term memory and repeats things or asks the same questions over and over, sometimes four times an hour. We had him tested for Alzheimer's, and everything looked normal.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It appears that his memory loss worsens after a drink. So perhaps a period of abstinence will be beneficial to him.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Memory loss is a side effect of all of his medications. When he got lost, he was not drinking. Therefore, I requested that you investigate the side effects of his medications.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The point is that your friend had dementia combined with delirium.

Alcohol worsening his memory loss usually indicates that he already has dementia, and alcohol causes delirium. Therefore, he should abstain from alcohol at all costs. His medications indicate he suffers from diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and gout. And each of the medicines given is required and necessary. Alzheimer's disease currently causes short-term memory loss. You mentioned that he was evaluated for this. I would like to know how he was evaluated specifically. Assuming a neurologist has evaluated him (without any assessment of Alzheimer's disease is invalid), it appears obvious that he is most likely losing cognitive functions due to alcohol.

If you are interested, you could look over the internet into the long-term cognitive effects of alcohol on cognition. And the treatment for alcohol-induced brain fog is abstinence under supervision. However, if you suspect the medications are causing his memory problems, he should consult with his physician. You have not entered his blood pressure, sugar levels, lipid profile, or medication dosage. As a result, I am unable to make any suggestions. Nonetheless, the medications are commonly used in many patients. Memory is rarely affected unless the brain has previously been weakened.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Well, that makes perfect sense.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I am glad I could assist.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Saumya Mittal
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Internal Medicine

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