Fears of early dementia as juveniles binge

Thousands of children are at risk of early dementia because they are drinking too much alcohol, experts warn today.

Figures reveal that children as young as 11 need treatment for alcohol-related illnesses. Today's Department of Health figures show that in 2006/07 almost 2,000 children aged between 11 and 18 were admitted to London's hospitals, about 70 per cent more than the 1,200 admitted in 2002/03.

Christine Greer, chief executive of Drinksense, said: "We are certainly seeing young adults whose livers are affected, and we will be looking in not too many years at the early onset of dementia, also linked to alcohol."

Excessive drinking over a period of years can lead to a condition known as Alcohol Dementia.

England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said last week that children under 15 should not be given any alcohol at home.