Cognitive Impairments in Alcohol-Dependent Subjects

Abstract

Chronic excessive alcohol consumption induces cognitive impairments mainly affecting executive functions, episodic memory, and visuospatial capacities related to multiple brain lesions. These cognitive impairments not only determine everyday management of these patients, but also impact on the efficacy of management and may compromise the abstinence prognosis. Maintenance of lasting abstinence is associated with cognitive recovery in these patients, but some impairments may persist and interfere with the good conduct and the efficacy of management. It therefore appears essential to clearly define neuropsychological management designed to identify and evaluate the type and severity of alcohol-related cognitive impairments. It is also essential to develop cognitive remediation therapy so that the patient can fully benefit from the management proposed in addiction medicine units.

Alcohol Gel Ingestion Among Homeless Eastern and Central Europeans in London: Assessing the Effects on Cognitive Functioning and Psychological Health

“…Chronic alcohol use and dependency is associated with impaired cognitive functioning particularly working memory, visuospatial abilities and prospective memory, as well as with mental health problems (Norton and Halay, 2011;Bernardin et al, 2014;Sullivan et al, 2000;Fox et al, 2000;Oscar-Berman and Marinkovic, 2007;Ratti et al 2002;Griffiths et al, 2012). That alcohol gel users also display poorer performance in these areas is therefore consistent with this previous research.…”

“…Chanraud et al, 2007;Sullivan, Harris and Pfefferbaum, 2010). Subsequent psychological and cognitive effects are also well documented, with 50-80% of patients showing signs of cognitive impairment (Bernardin et al, 2014). The primary cognitive function most susceptible to alcohol misuse, and which appears irreversible is executive functioning (Norton and Halay, 2011;Bernardin et al, 2014).…”

“…Subsequent psychological and cognitive effects are also well documented, with 50-80% of patients showing signs of cognitive impairment (Bernardin et al, 2014). The primary cognitive function most susceptible to alcohol misuse, and which appears irreversible is executive functioning (Norton and Halay, 2011;Bernardin et al, 2014). This includes processes such as decision making, mental flexibility, divided attention, working memory (both verbal and non-verbal) and inhibitory control (e.g.…”

Assessment of cognitive function in patients with alcohol dependence: A cross-sectional study

“…[4] Between 50% and 80% of individuals with alcohol use disorders experience mild-to-severe neurocognitive impairment, National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology 338 2018 | Vol 8 | Issue 3 mainly affecting executive functions, episodic memory, and visuospatial capacities related to multiple brain lesions. [5] Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the cognitive functions using Mean Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).…”

Latin American Delphi Consensus on Vascular Cognitive Impairment: Definitions, Clinical Features, Pathophysiology, Prevention and Treatment

“…Alcohol abuse is associated with all types of CVD. Although moderate alcohol consumption is recommended in patients with VCI [89][90][91][92][93][94][95], the experience shows that it is impossible to limit alcohol consumption in patients with cognitive deficit with amnesic predominance; thus, alcohol total abstinence is advisable in these patients.…”