Alcoholism Current Research

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Cognitive Performance in Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholic Individuals
George Fein, Ph.D, Jennifer Torres, B.A., Leonard J. Price, Ph.D,
and Victoria Di Sclafani, M.P.H

Neurobehavioral Research, Inc., Corte Madera, CA

Alta Bates Medical Center, Herrick Campus, Berkeley, CA
Address reprint request and correspondence to:
Dr. George Fein
Neurobehavioral Research, Inc.
201 Tamal Vista Boulevard
Corte Madera, CA 94925
This work was supported by Grants AA11311 (GF) and AA13659 (GF), both from the
National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse.
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Cognitive Performance in Long-Term Abstinent Alcoholics
Abstract
Background: There are few investigations of the potential recovery of neurocognitive function in chronic alcoholic samples after very long-term abstinence. The current study examined cognitive abilities in middle-aged, (mean age 46.8 years) long-term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA). Twenty-five LTAA men and 23 LTAA women abstinent for an average of 6.7 years were compared to an equal number of gender and age comparable
normal controls (NC). We examined the association of neurocognitive variables with age, duration of abstinence, alcohol use measures, and the density of family history of problem drinking.

Methods: LTAA and NC underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Performance was measured in the following nine domains: abstraction/cognitive flexibility, attention, auditory working memory, immediate memory, delayed memory, psychomotor function, reaction time, spatial processing, and verbal skills.

Results: LTAA performed similarly to NC, except for deficits in the spatial processing domain. The spatial processing results must be interpreted with caution because of multiple comparison issues; however, spatial processing deficits are among the impairments most often reported in abstinent alcoholics. None of the cognitive measures was associated with length of abstinence, any alcohol use variable, or family history measure.
Conclusions: Very long-term abstinence resolves most neurocognitive deficits associated with alcoholism, except for the suggestion of lingering deficits in spatial processing.
Keywords: Alcoholism; long-term abstinence; cognition; neuropsychology; aging

[chloe88]

That's very, very interesting about spatial deficits and alcoholics poor performance in this area. I'm a recovering alcoholic and have always had an excellent spatial sense, having made straight As in geometry and understanding and utilizing design principles throughout my life.

[Noxic]

Wow there are alot of things I didn't know about alcoholism. It runs in my family, so I have to be careful. Thanks for the information, it was a really good read.

[websurfpro]

Good information, post more like this one everybody should be glad to read stuff like this.

[websurfpro]

Interesting article, try to post the links to all articles you come buy, members of this forum are interested in reading any article related to recovery and support for addictions.

[Angela Mays]

Very good information.

[elsphit]

Alcoholism known no age or class boundaries; everyone from children to senior citizens from all walks of life can be affected. Through innovative substance abuse programs such as specialized camps, licensed therapists and peer support groups many people are finding getting treatment for their addiction is easier and more supporting than ever before. Many people do not seek treatment for alcohol abuse because of concerns over the perception associated with attending many of the traditional abuse programs offered around the country. With these new addiction treatment programs it is now being looked up by many as the "right thing to do" and a "sign of strength" to be enrolled in such a support group.

_____________________
Marvin

This is a comprehensive addiction portal focusing on topics of alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.alcoholaddiction.org

[Dr. Goldstein]

Alan Marlatt, Ph.D. out of Univ. Washington is doing some really promising research on Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention. An integration of Mindfulness, CBT, and Addictive Behavior.

Really groundbreaking stuff. Thomas Bien came out with a book called Mindful Recovery and my wife and I came out with an psychoeducational and experiential CD called Mindful Solutions for Addiction and Relapse Prevention (http://www.drsgoldstein.com)

This was then endorsed by Dr. Marlatt.

[kittenlittle]

Can someone explain to me what "spatial proccessing" is? I am a 43 year old female and I'll be 7 years sober on June 2nd. I have never felt better but I do find that my short term memory is not good. Alcoholism runs in my family and my older sister is going through the fight to stay sober between rehab centers (she does NOT believe in AA which I think is my saving grace of staying sober). The article by Dr. Goldstein was very informative except for that term.

[shainy]

:)This is one useful forum,it goes unsaid that alcohol consumption varies a great deal from one person to another and the treatment for Alcoholism is just as varied depending on the condition of the user. Alcoholism refers to circumstances under which an individual becomes addicted to alcoholic drinks in spite of its harmful effects. If explained from medical perspective, Alcoholism is a disease either inherited or developed from genetic, psychological or social factors....finally i got current research of Alcoholism...
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shainy

Addiction Recovery Arkansas

Addiction Recovery Arkansas (http://www.addictionrecovery.net/arkansas)

[jenny]

It is really one of the useful post I had come across. Thanks.