Cognitive profile of long-term abstinent alcoholics in comparison with non-alcoholics

Abstract

Scarce studies have focused on the cognitive profile of chronic alcoholic men after long-term abstinence. Thus, we examined neuropsychological differences between long-term abstinent alcoholics for an average of 3.2 years (n = 40, LTAA; age = 45.55 ± 8.99) and matched for socio-demographic variables with non-alcoholic controls (n = 39; age = 42.05 ± 11.33). To this aim, we employed a neuropsychological assessment battery covered relevant cognitive domains: IQ, memory, attention, executive functions and empathy. LTAA presented deficits in abstract reasoning, speed processing, sustained attention, working and long-term memory (verbal and visuospatial), cognitive flexibility, inhibition and planning. Although our results must be interpreted with caution because of the cross-sectional nature of our study, it may offer a broader knowledge and understanding of alcohol-related socio-cognitive deficits after long-term abstinence. These deficits might entail risk factors for relapse in alcohol consumption, as they may interfere with recording therapeutic advice and internalizing the verbal material presented in rehabilitation programs. In turn, these impair the global efficacy of alcohol-relapse prevention programs. Hence, this knowledge could be applicable in guiding the development of early coadjutant treatments.