Chronic methamphetamine self-administration disrupts cortical control of cognition

Abstract

Methamphetamine (meth) is one of the most abused substances worldwide. Chronic use has been associated with repeated relapse episodes that may be exacerbated by cognitive impairments during drug abstinence. Growing evidence demonstrates that meth compromises prefrontal cortex activity, resulting in persisting attentional and memory impairments. After summarizing recent studies of meth-induced cognitive dysfunction using a translationally relevant model of self-administered meth, this review emphasizes the cortical brain changes contributing to cognitive dysregulation during abstinence. Finally, we propose the use of cognitive enhancers during abstinence that may promote a drug-free state by reversing cortical dysfunction linked with prolonged meth abuse.

Cognitive Deficits in Methamphetamine Users: How Strong is The Evidence?

“…Another limitation of clinical research on drug addiction is related to the comparison between a patient group and a healthy control group (i. e., to the question of whether drug dependence is a consequence of cognitive deficits or a risk factor for them). Most research assumes that the specific effects of the drugs damage the brain [22], but longitudinal studies are required to clarify the question of causality.…”

“…Furthermore, HIV-infected mice that consumed MA showed far more cognitive impairments than noninfected mice [21]. More research is necessary, especially to elucidate the specific effects of MA in comparison with other amphetamines [22].…”

Inhibition of Methamphetamine Self-Administration and Reinstatement by Central Blockade of Angiotensin II Receptor in Rats

“…In addition to compulsive drug-taking and drug-seeking behavior, individuals with METH use disorder commonly present with other comorbidities, including cognitive deficits, depression, psychosis, anxiety, and sleep disorders (Grant et al, 2012;McKetin et al, 2013;Mullen and Crawford, 2018). These comorbid disorders may further add to the complex consequences of METH use disorder, supporting the need for "transdiagnostic treatment approaches" (Bernheim et al, 2016;Hartel-Petri et al, 2017). Given that no medications have demonstrated a convincing and consistent effect on the treatment of METH use disorder, an increasing number of studies have highlighted the potential use of medications targeting cognitive impairments associated with executive function for METH use disorder (Sofuoglu et al, 2013).…”

On the necessity of translational cognitive-neurotoxicological research in methamphetamine abuse and addiction

“…In this regard, recent findings in animals by Fujaková-Lipski et al (2017) have shown transgenerational effects of METH exposure by looking at how neurotoxic effects of METH administered in utero alter various neurotransmitter Keywords Addiction · Methamphetamine · Neurotoxicity · Translational Humans have been consuming stimulants like amphetamine in the form of cathinone (khat) for thousands of years, but since world war two, synthetic amphetamines, especially methamphetamine (METH), have hit many societies in a worldwide surge (Carvalho et al 2012). Due to its highly addicting properties and the comparatively low cost, the abuse of this psychostimulant has rapidly increased in the last decades and years (Chomchai and Chomchai 2015) so that METH has become one of the most abused substances worldwide (Bernheim et al 2016). Continued METH consumption does not only have devastating effects on the health and well-being of the addicted individuals, but also affects whole communities and put a considerable strain on healthcare systems (Panenka et al 2013;Chomchai and Chomchai 2015).…”

“…Due to its highly addicting properties and the comparatively low cost, the abuse of this psychostimulant has rapidly increased in the last decades and years (Chomchai and Chomchai 2015) so that METH has become one of the most abused substances worldwide (Bernheim et al 2016). Continued METH consumption does not only have devastating effects on the health and well-being of the addicted individuals, but also affects whole communities and put a considerable strain on healthcare systems (Panenka et al 2013;Chomchai and Chomchai 2015).…”