Cognitive control in patients with alcohol use disorder: testing a three-function model

Anna Trusova,Anna Berezina,Svetlana Klimanova,Anton Gvozdetsky

doi:10.12740/app/86211

Anna Trusova, Anna Berezina + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.12740/app/86211

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Abstract

Aim of the studyThe aim of the current study is to test cognitive control models for explaining cognitive dysfunctions in patients with AUD.Subject or material and methods53 participants with AUD undergoing detoxification inpatient treatment were assessed using Brief Assessment of Cognition in Affective disorder battery (BAC-A), Continuous Performance Test – Identical Pair (CPT-IP), and the Stroop test.ResultsA model of patients’ cognitive control dysfunction is developed using principal component analysis. It includes response inhibition and working memory components and explains 87.3% of cognitive control variance. The comparison between “low” and “high” cognitive control groups yielded significant differences in verbal and working memory (p<0.001), processing speed (p=0.006), and emotional processing (p<0.01) tasks. When compared to the normative data, the «low» cognitive control group exhibited deficits in working memory, motor skills, processing speed, planning and decision making, and emotional processing (all at the p<0.001 level). No other significant differences were observed.DiscussionThe cognitive control model, which includes working memory and response inhibition, might be more accurate in explaining cognitive deficits in AUD. The clinically and demographically equal groups differed in cognitive control abilities, motor skills, processing speed and emotional interference control.ConclusionsThis is one the first studies examining cognitive control in Russian patients with AUD. The findings suggest the diversity of premorbid cognitive functioning or differences in vulnerability to neurotoxic effects of alcohol intake among patients with AUD with varying levels of cognitive control.

Highlights

Multiple studies observed associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impairments in cognitive functioning, in the areas of object recognition, visuospatial skills, psychomotor speed, learning and memory, and executive functions [1,2,3,4]
The findings suggest differences in premorbid cognitive functioning or differences in vulnerability to neurotoxic effects of alcohol among patients with AUD with varying levels of cognitive control
Studies of cognitive control in patients with AUD explain this discrepancy by suggesting that cognitive control deficits have impact on both the onset of AUD and its consequences [5,6]

Summary

Introduction

Multiple studies observed associations between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impairments in cognitive functioning, in the areas of object recognition, visuospatial skills, psychomotor speed, learning and memory, and executive functions [1,2,3,4]. Studies of cognitive control in patients with AUD explain this discrepancy by suggesting that cognitive control deficits have impact on both the onset of AUD and its consequences [5,6]. A meta-analysis conducted by Wilcox et al [7] has revealed consistent results regarding response inhibition deficits in AUD, while less consistent findings were observed for working memory and distractor interference control. Similar findings were reported in a subsequent study: alcohol consumption had a direct impact on response inhibition and working memory [5]. While response inhibition deficits were present in patients during a detoxification period, a direct effect of alcohol intake on response inhibition was not observed [9]. It is important to gain understanding of why such inconsistencies occur

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