Morning Extra - The Investigation - Alcohol Related Brain Damage

As part of BBC Radio Scotland's season on the nation's relationship with alcohol, Mark Stephen investigates our lack of awareness of what alcohol can do to the brain. When heavy drinkers don't eat properly their thiamine (vitamin B1) levels get lower and this can lead to the brain disorder known as Korsakoff's syndrome. It's traditionally associated with deprivation and poor nutrition and used to be seen mainly among heavy drinkers aged 50 and above. But, with increasing levels of alcohol abuse in younger people, that age is falling and rates of Korsakoff's have been rising sharply in Scotland over the last decade. With concerns that more and more young Scots could be drinking their way into nursing homes, Mark Stephen finds out how it can be prevented and asks if sufferers are getting the support they need. Graham Stewart takes your calls, texts and emails.