Should you give your loved one a glass of wine if they ask for it? Or is alcohol unwise for a person with dementia? It’s a complex subject, as it depends on the individual and their medication, says Christina Collison. Here’s what you need to know…
If you’re looking after a loved one with dementia, you may find they enjoy a glass of wine or a beer from time to time. You may think there’s no reason why they can’t have the occasional tipple. My mum, who had vascular dementia, was never a heavy drinker. However, she enjoyed the occasional glass of wine with a meal but would never have more than one. She didn’t drink at home and only had wine when we went out to eat, which was usually once a week.
Overall, her drinking was limited and only on social occasions. For me, this wasn’t a cause for concern. She rarely finished the entire glass, and I suspect she enjoyed the idea of wine with a meal more than the wine itself. Apart from her moderating her intake, it didn’t appear to adversely affect her wellbeing. She didn’t seem increasingly confused or lose balance after a small glass of her favourite rosé.
Topping up their glass
However, for some people, alcohol may be an issue. What should you do if you have noticed that your loved one is drinking more at home or generally topping up their glass a little too frequently when you go out together? And is it a good idea for them to drink at all?
Alcohol can interfere with some medications and make them less effective, so it’s not always a good idea, but it does very much depend on individual circumstances. If you are concerned, speak to the person’s GP or read the information leaflet that came with their prescription.
If there is no mention of avoiding alcohol on any prescription medicines they are taking, but you’re concerned about their intake, you may feel tempted to tell them to cut back. However, this may not be effective.
Reasons for drinking
A person with dementia may drink too much because they forget how much they’ve had to drink. Or they may drink due to boredom or depression.
If you suspect boredom is the reason, try to keep them distracted or busy with activities or tasks.
If you suspect the person is depressed, encourage them to go out and exercise if they can. Support them in doing this and see if you can increase their social activities so that they feel stimulated and not bored. Encourage the person to talk about how they are feeling.
Low or zero alcohol options
Failing that, see if the person can switch to zero or low-alcohol alternatives. When they are at home, try to keep alcohol out of sight so that it’s not a temptation. Dilute alcoholic drinks as much as possible.
Again, if you are concerned about how much the person is drinking, speak to their GP or healthcare professional, who may be able to provide support and help with a plan for cutting back or stopping altogether.