Age-related differences in working memory deficits during nicotine withdrawal

Abstract

Nicotine withdrawal is associated with subtle working memory deficits that predict subsequent relapse. We examined the neural substrates underlying these processes in treatment-seeking smokers, and explored the moderating influence of age on abstinence-induced alterations in brain activity and performance. Sixty-three smokers participated in two blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging scans while performing a visual N-back task on two separate occasions: smoking as usual and after 24 hours of biochemically confirmed abstinence (order counterbalanced). Abstinence (versus smoking) led to reduced accuracy, slower median correct response time and reduced BOLD signal change in the three a priori regions of interest: medial frontal/cingulate gyrus and right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Significant age × session effects were found for BOLD signal change in all three regions, as well as for withdrawal and craving; for all measures, abstinence effects were attenuated in smokers aged ≥50 years compared with those <50 years old. These results suggest that abstinence effects on neurocognitive function may be more pronounced for younger smokers, and may indicate a new avenue for research exploring mechanisms underlying age differences in smoking cessation success. Nicotine withdrawal is associated with neurocognitive deficits that predict smoking relapse. Sixty-three treatment-seeking smokers completed an N-back task during blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging on two occasions: smoking as usual and after 24 hours of abstinence. Abstinence led to poorer performance and reduced BOLD signal change in the medial frontal/cingulate gyrus and right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. These effects were attenuated in smokers aged >50 years, suggesting that withdrawal-induced deficits may be more pronounced for younger smokers. © 2013 The Authors, Addiction Biology © 2013 Society for the Study of Addiction.