A study on correlation between verbal memory and working memory in patients with alcohol dependence

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation between verbal memory and working memory in patients with alcohol dependence(AD). Methods A total of 40 patients with AD and 40 health controls were included in this study. N-back task was used to evaluate the verbal working memory. 20 sets of phrases were used to evaluate long-term verbal memory. Results Correct number of verbal memory in AD group ((5.15±0.92)times) was lower than that of HC group ((7.35±3.07)times) after one-week baseline test, and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.344, P<0.01). Compared with HC group ((1 436.37±192.50)ms, (1.08±0.89)times, (4.00±0.85)times, respectively), AD group((1 535.40± 192.50)ms, (1.90±1.57 )times, (2.60±1.39)times) showed significantly impaired reply reaction time of 2-back, error number of 1-back and 2-back (t=-2.112, P=0.038; t=-2.899, P=0.005; t=-5.433, P<0.01). The error number of 2-back task in AD group was negative correlated with verbal memory after one-week baseline test (r=-0.427, P=0.006). Conclusion The verbal memory is impaired in AD patients. Long-term verbal memory damage have a certain correlation with working memory. Key words: Alcohol drinking; Working memory; N-back task