Alcohol Can Make You Forget Crash Details

The old saying that excessive drinking leads to memory loss because it kills brain cells isn’t true, science confirms. In fact, science confirmed that at least in mice, the direct application of alcohol doesn’t kill brain cells. However, large amounts of alcohol cause the brain to release steroids that block the formation of long-term memories. This may explain why memories get fuzzy after a night of drinking or why a person who drives while very intoxicated may not remember details of the crash.

Fox 5 Las Vegas reports on a 100 m.p.h. suspected DUI crash where the driver forgot what happened.

23-year old Henry Aparicio was behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz when he crashed into the rear of a Toyota Prius that was stopped at a red light. Inside the Prius were Damaso and Christa Puente, who died at the scene.

Police reported that Aparicio’s eyes were bloodshot and watering and he had a distinct odor of alcohol on him. His speech was also slurred and he mumbled. His statements were also confusing. The officer’s body camera captured these observations.

Aparicio told police that he had been drinking in downtown Summerlin, but he did not remember how much he drank. He also did not remember how long he had been drinking that night.

Aparicio is facing two counts of driving under the influence resulting in death, one count of driving under the influence causing substantial bodily harm, and three counts of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm.

A passenger in the Mercedes was taken to University Medical Center to be treated for her injuries.

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