Do Overweight, Arterial Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Worsen Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorders?

Abstract

Objective: Overweight, Arterial Hypertension (AH) and diabetes are frequently associated with alcohol use disorders. As each of these co-morbidities is independently associated with cognitive impairment, we studied whetherthey could worsen alcohol-related cognitive impairment. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a clinical database of patients with an alcohol use disorder admitted to an addiction treatment unit of a teaching hospital. Patient weight was classified using WHO recommendations; arterial hypertension and Type 2 diabetes were diagnosed according to the most recent guidelines. Cognitive status was assessed using the MoCA administered on admission and at discharge by trained staff members. Results: Among the 387 patients included (69.3% male, mean age 50.4), 6.4% suffered from Type II diabetes, AH was present in 22.4% of the sample, and 20.6% were obese (BMI>=30). MoCA scores at admission did not differ as a function of BMI, or AH or Type II diabetes status. At discharge, MoCA scoreshad improved in all subgroups; however, a multivariate analysis showed that they had improved significantly less in the AH group compared to the non-AH group. Conclusions: Our results confirm the impact of hypertension on cognitive dysfunction, including in patients with severe alcohol use disorders. Monitoring of blood pressure levels is, therefore, an important preventive measure for cognitive dysfunction in these patients.