Thousands could unknowingly have alcohol brain damage

Thousands of people with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) could be going undiagnosed, an expert says.

Research suggests consuming 35 units of alcohol per week for five years or more can cause ARBD, which affects a person's ability to carry out basic daily tasks.

Lee Caldwell, 56, who was diagnosed with ARBD last year, said he struggled with short-term memory and impulse control.

Prof Gareth Roderique Davies said stigma and lack of awareness led to ARBD being missed or misdiagnosed, and said adequate resources remained a challenge.

The Welsh government said it was investing £67m to help people affected by drugs and alcohol, including ARBD.

If left undiagnosed, patients with ARBD can end up requiring long term nursing care, but with the right intervention they can improve and live independently.

Mr Caldwell was itted to Brynawel House, a residential rehabilitation facility in south Wales, where he was diagnosed with ARBD last September.

He said said at the peak of his drinking he found it "easier to cross the road to the garage" to buy alcohol than to confront the feelings of guilt and shame associated with his habit.

"The addiction became more important than living," said Mr Caldwell, a former Royal Navy engineer and construction manager.

Explaining the daily challenges ARBD could present, he said: "One day [in rehab] I couldn't find my room."

"I could see room seven, there's eight – where's nine":[]}