Is There a Link Between Alzheimer’s and Substance Use?

This afternoon, I found myself reflecting on Alzheimer's disease—and a question rose in my mind that I believe many of us should be asking: Could long-term drug and alcohol use be a contributing factor to developing Alzheimer’s later in life?

The thought isn't random. It’s grounded in a simple observation: the sensation of being “high” or intoxicated is not just a feeling—it’s a direct result of how substances chemically alter the brain. When that alteration becomes routine, prolonged, and intense, what is the long-term cost?

Speaking from experience, I know the effects of what I call “artificial attitude adjusters.” I began intensely using in the military at age 18. I stayed in that lifestyle until age 28, when I made a life-altering decision to walk away from it all.

Now, at almost 67, I’ve been sober for nearly 40 years. I’ve spent those decades living with discipline—grounded in clean nutrition, regular exercise, spiritual development, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

My hope—and belief—is that I’ve not only healed from my past, but also fortified my mind and body in the process.

But my question still lingers—not out of fear, but out of awareness. Let’s take a look at the medical evidence.

The Medical View: What Science Says About Substance Use and Cognitive Decline

Numerous studies have shown that chronic alcohol use can significantly damage the brain. Alcohol, especially when consumed heavily over long periods, causes brain shrinkage—particularly in areas tied to memory and executive function, like the hippocampus and frontal lobe.

It also compromises the blood-brain barrier, allowing toxins to reach areas of the brain they were never meant to. Over time, this deterioration contributes to what’s known as alcohol-related dementia, a condition that mirrors many of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

As for drug use, the picture is equally sobering. Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as long-term use of opioids or benzodiazepines, have been linked to memory loss, reduced cognitive flexibility, and damage to the brain’s neural circuitry. The brain adapts to repeated intoxication by rewiring itself, and in doing so, often damages the very networks it needs to stay sharp as we age.

Even marijuana, while often considered mild, has been shown in some long-term studies to affect short-term memory and motivation when used chronically, especially during adolescent brain development.

A powerful study published in The Lancet Public Health found that people with alcohol use disorders were over three times more likely to develop any form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The damage isn't just emotional or social—it’s anatomical.

Why Lifestyle Redemption Matters

That said, the story doesn’t have to end there. Researchers have also found that the brain has a remarkable capacity for neuroplasticity—the ability to heal, rewire, and strengthen itself—when given the right environment.

A healthy lifestyle built on nutrient-dense foods, physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, strong relationships, and purposeful living can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, even in those who had earlier risk factors like substance use. This is not anecdotal hope—it’s science. What we do in our 40s, 50s, and 60s has a profound effect on how well our minds hold up in our 70s, 80s, and beyond.

So, in asking whether past drug and alcohol use increases the risk of Alzheimer’s, the answer is: Yes, it can. But the second part of that truth is just as vital: What you do after you stop matters even more.

Final Word

If you’ve walked a road like mine—if you’ve lived hard in your early years, but turned the page—you are not doomed. You are, in fact, proof that transformation is real. Your commitment to health, discipline, and clear thinking doesn’t just help your heart and body—it protects your mind.

For me, every healthy choice I make is another brick in the fortress guarding my future. I believe we are never too far gone, never too late, and never too old to do right by our minds.