Effect of alcohol dependence on neuropsychological functioning

Abstract

Background: Alcohol use disorders (AUD) associate with structural and functional brain differences, including impairments in neuropsychological function. Alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance worldwide. More than 50% of alcohol dependent subjects can have alterations in cognitive functions. Cognitive dysfunction interferes with treatment and increases the risk of relapse in alcohol dependence; hence, its identification has potential therapeutic implications. Alcohol-dependence is related to large-scale cognitive impairments, particularly for executive functions (EF). These deficits persist even after long-term abstinence and have a major impact on patients’ everyday life and relapse risk.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the affect of alcohol dependence on neuropsychological functioning.

Methods: For this, literature has been looked for manually as well as through electronic resources like PubMed and Google Scholar.

Conclusion: There is a significantly greater cognitive impairment in those with alcohol dependence compared to those without. Evaluating alcohol dependent patients for cognitive impairment can have important therapeutic and prognostic implications.