Memory Deficits Among Alcoholics: Performance on a Selective Reminding Task

Schottenbauer, Michele A.; Hommer, Daniel W.; Weingartner, Herbert

doi:10.1080/13825580600681305

Cited by 16 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…On the other hand, because of plasticity, the young brain may be better at recovering from or compensating for functional or structural damage (Berlucchi 2011). Secondly, the duration of dependence may equally influence neuropsychological task performance, with worse performance arguably observed in individuals who have been dependent for a longer period (Schottenbauer, Hommer & Weingartner 2007; Pitel et al . 2009).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widespread and sustained cognitive deficits in alcoholism: a meta‐analysis

2012

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The cognitive repercussions of alcohol dependence are well documented. However, the literature remains somewhat ambiguous with respect to which distinct cognitive functions are more susceptible to impairment in alcoholism and to how duration of abstinence affects cognitive recovery. Some theories claim alcohol negatively affects specific cognitive functions, while others assert that deficits are more diffuse in nature. This is the first meta-analysis to examine cognition in alcohol abuse/dependence and the duration of abstinence necessary to achieve cognitive recovery. A literature search yielded 62 studies that assessed cognitive dysfunction among alcoholics. Effect size estimates were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2, for the following 12 cognitive domains: intelligence quotient, verbal fluency/language, speed of processing, working memory, attention, problem solving/executive functions, inhibition/impulsivity, verbal learning, verbal memory, visual learning, visual memory and visuospatial abilities. Within these 12 domains, three effect size estimates were calculated based on abstinence duration. The three groups were partitioned into short- (< 1 month), intermediate- (2 to 12 months) and long- (> 1 year) term abstinence. Findings revealed moderate impairment across 11 cognitive domains during short-term abstinence, with moderate impairment across 10 domains during intermediate term abstinence. Small effect size estimates were found for long-term abstinence. These results suggest significant impairment across multiple cognitive functions remains stable during the first year of abstinence from alcohol. Generally, dysfunction abates by 1 year of sobriety. These findings support the diffuse brain hypothesis and suggest that cognitive dysfunction may linger for up to an average of 1 year post-detoxification from alcohol.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widespread and sustained cognitive deficits in alcoholism: a meta‐analysis

2012

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“…Alcohol Use . Alcohol abuse is often associated with memory deficits (Schottenbauer, Hommer, Weingartner, 2007). For this reason, adult participants were interviewed regarding their own current alcohol and other drug use.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Memory and brain volume in adults prenatally exposed to alcohol

Coles

Goldstein

Lynch

et al. 2011

Brain and Cognition

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The impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on memory and brain development was investigated in 92 African-American, young adults who were first identified in the prenatal period. Three groups (Control, n=26; Alcohol-related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, n=36; and Dysmorphic, n=30) were imaged using structural MRI with brain volume calculated for multiple regions of interest. Memory was measured using the Verbal Selective Reminding Memory Test and its nonverbal counterpart, the Nonverbal Selective Reminding Memory Test, which each yielding measures of learning and recall. For both Verbal and Nonverbal Recall and Slope, linear trends were observed demonstrating a spectrum of deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Dysmorphic individuals performed significantly poorer than unexposed controls on 5 of 6 memory outcomes. Alcohol-exposed individuals demonstrated significantly lower total brain volume than controls, as well as lower volume in a number of specific regions including hippocampus. Mediation analyses indicated that memory performance associated with effects of prenatal alcohol exposure was mediated from dysmorphic severity through hippocampal volume, particularly right hippocampus. These results indicate that the association between the physical effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and deficits in memory are mediated by volumetric reduction in specific brain regions.

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“…Consequently, methodological differences with respect to exclusion and inclusion criteria contribute to disparate findings across studies. These differences include the following: family history of alcoholism (Cardenas et al, 2005); treatment history (Di Sclafani et al, 2008); age (Pfefferbaum et al, 2006; Schottenbauer et al, 2007; Westlye et al, 2010); gender (Fattore et al, 2008; Devaud and Prendergast, 2009; Nixon, 2013; Ruiz et al, 2013); the use or abuse of medicines, nicotine, or other drugs (Durazzo et al, 2006; Cosgrove et al, 2011); body mass index (Pfefferbaum et al, 2009; Gazdzinski et al, 2010a); and comorbid medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions (Di Sclafani et al, 2007; Fama et al, 2009; Oscar-Berman et al, 2009; Charness, 2010; Sameti et al, 2011; Martin, 2013). Common comorbid medical complications are malnutrition, diseases of the liver and the cardiovascular system, HIV/AIDS, neurological conditions such as head injury and inflammation of the brain (encephalopathy), and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.…”

Section: The Participants and The Testsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Profiles of impaired, spared, and recovered neuropsychologic processes in alcoholism

Oscar‐Berman

Valmas

Sawyer

et al. 2014

Handbook of Clinical Neurology

143

128

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Long-term chronic alcoholism is associated with disparate and widespread residual consequences for brain functioning and behavior, and alcoholics suffer a variety of cognitive deficiencies and emotional abnormalities. Alcoholism has heterogeneous origins and outcomes, depending upon factors such as family history, age, gender, and mental or physical health. Consequently, the neuropsychological profiles associated with alcoholism are not uniform among individuals. Moreover, within and across research studies, variability among participants is substantial and contributes to characteristics associated with differential treatment outcomes after detoxification. In order to refine our understanding of alcoholism-related impaired, spared, and recovered abilities, we focus on five specific functional domains: (1) memory, (2) executive functions, (3) emotion and psychosocial skills, (4) visuospatial cognition, and (5) psychomotor abilities. The brain systems that are most vulnerable to alcoholism are the frontocerebellar and mesocorticolimbic circuitries. Over time, with abstinence from alcohol, the brain appears to become reorganized to provide compensation for structural and behavioral deficits. By relying on a combination of clinical and scientific approaches, future research will help to refine the compensatory roles of healthy brain systems, the degree to which abstinence and treatment facilitate the reversal of brain atrophy and dysfunction, and the importance of individual differences to outcome.

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Memory Deficits Among Alcoholics: Performance on a Selective Reminding Task

Cited by 16 publications

References 35 publications

Widespread and sustained cognitive deficits in alcoholism: a meta‐analysis

Widespread and sustained cognitive deficits in alcoholism: a meta‐analysis

Memory and brain volume in adults prenatally exposed to alcohol

Profiles of impaired, spared, and recovered neuropsychologic processes in alcoholism

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