Alcohol dependence with alcohol-induced persisting dementia

This code signifies a chronic and severe pattern of alcohol use disorder characterized by physiological dependence, coupled with a persistent cognitive impairment directly attributable to the neurotoxic effects of alcohol. The dementia involves significant decline in memory, learning, and other cognitive domains, impacting daily functioning.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of alcohol dependence and a co-occurring, enduring dementia that the clinician explicitly links to chronic alcohol consumption. Supporting documentation would include a history of heavy, prolonged alcohol use, evidence of physiological dependence, and neuropsychological testing or clinical assessment confirming persistent cognitive deficits.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "alcohol-induced" or "due to alcohol" for the persisting dementia, not just a co-occurrence of alcohol dependence and dementia.
• Do not use this code for acute alcohol intoxication or withdrawal delirium; the dementia must be persistent.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis if the alcohol-induced persisting dementia is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a significant co-morbidity.