Improving the lives of people at risk of alcohol-related brain damage
Research by the University of South Wales into alcohol-related brain damage has helped to improve awareness, understanding and treatment of the condition.
One in 20 deaths in South Wales is attributable to alcohol misuse.
Alcohol misuse can also lead to alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), an under-recognised condition linked to cognitive and physical decline. Because of these symptoms, ARBD is often misdiagnosed as early-onset dementia.
In 2014, Public Health Wales identified a need to address the lack of evidence and understanding around ARBD.
Using data from a diverse sample of 60 health and social care services across South Wales, a team of researchers from the University of South Wales set out to establish the prevalence of ARBD and the services needed to support people with the condition.
Their research found a lack of awareness of ARBD, inconsistencies in how the condition was diagnosed and poor record keeping.
Diagnosis and treatment of ARBD
The team then conducted a clinical evaluation of two neurocognitive tests commonly used to assess ARBD. This highlighted a need for clinicians to combine these assessments with others to reduce the likelihood that people were misdiagnosed.
Finally, they identified that the lack of a treatment model for ARBD meant that services were taking an inconsistent approach to care.
The team’s research found that ARBD is four times more prevalent than motor neuron disease, yet just 16% of sufferers were diagnosed within their lifetime.
Many cases were attributed to early-onset dementia, which led to people being placed into care homes. However, around 75% of people with ARBD make at least a partial recovery if they stop drinking and receive simple treatment. As the cost of dementia care is around £600-£1,200 per week, significant savings can be made if ARBD is accurately diagnosed.
Impact on policy and practice
The team’s research had an impact on policy, with their findings underpinning the Welsh Government’s first ever Substance Misuse Treatment Framework (SMTF) for ARBD – which in turn is informed the development of UK guidelines.
Their research also helped to inform professional practice, with the team delivering training to raise awareness of ARBD amongst care and support staff, helping them to better support people with the condition. The team’s ARBD training was officially endorsed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Research team
Professor Gareth Roderique-Davies and Professor Bev John – Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group, University of South Wales
Research partners
The Pobl Group