Our Dr said David’s drinking a couple beers daily for years may have contributed to him developing Alzheimer’s as young as he did (63) but never that it caused it. It was wrong of that Dr. to talk to you like that. We all do the best we can with the situation we are in!

I don't have any answers for you but I would consult with another doctor! The doctor that reprimanded you for "allowing" him to drink should be shot! Does your dad have a neurologist? He/she would be the one to advise you on how much his drinking has contributed to his dementia. You are so right about being concerned with withdrawal symtoms. He needs professional care. And you don't need anyone laying a guilt trip on you! I hope you don't mind, but I am adding you to my team and would like you to keep us posted on how your dad and you are doing. Hugs!

Lisa, I think you have two questions: Will continued consumption of alcohol make your father’s symptoms from ALZ worse; If yes, then how do you get him to stop drinking? My wife’s gerontologist urged me to reduce my wife’s dail intake of brandy from 3 ounces to 2 ounces, which I did even though I saw no change in her behavior (I have since stopped giving her any alcohol). My general thought is that someone with a disease of the brain can only be made worse by a drug that has further impact on the brain. To get your father to stop drinking, let his doctor be the devil that tells him that he must stop (you have to live with your father, the doctor does not). Once that declaration is made, cut off your father’s supply line for the whiskey and simply say “doctor’s orders.”

My husband drunk alcohol. I was told by my councilor that they are addicted to the sugar in it. She suggested to keep a lot of sugary food around . So I have cookies, candy, ice cream and Sprite. When he lost his license.I was still stopping so he got a bottle. I stopped going anywhere unless I had to so he couldn’t get a bottle. So he still think he drinks but he isn’t and the Sprite he uses like it’s his was the alcohol. It took awhile but it worked. Now his auger is high but he doesn’t drink! Good luck

Lisa, was there is a type of dementia related to extended and excessive use of alcohol. However generally the other folks have said it all.