Results of computerized tomography, psychometric testing and dietary studies in social drinkers, with emphasis on reversibility after abstinence.

Abstract

The frequency of abnormal results of cranial computerized tomography (CT), psychometric testing and dietary studies was established in a prospective study of 39 light-to-moderate drinkers (below 120 g/day) of both sexes. Thirty-one subjects showed some degree of cerebral atrophy on CT scan and, of these, 25 also showed abnormalities on psychometric testing. Psychometric deficits were found in three subjects with a normal CT scan. Cerebral atrophy was reversed in 10 of 11 subjects who abstained from alcohol for between three and 12 months. On re-examination after six months, five of the 11 subjects showed improved performance in most psychometric tests. Sixteen subjects were deficient in some dietary factor and all but one of these had abnormal results of CT scan or psychometric testing. The deficiencies found were in kilojoules (six subjects), iron (five subjects), protein (four subjects), calcium (seven subjects), thiamin (six subjects), and ascorbic acid (one subject). Eight subjects had multiple dietary deficiencies; all but one were women. Four had a low red blood cell level of thiamin, but normal serum levels. This was thought to reflect an impairment in the metabolism of this vitamin due to the effect of alcohol. All four subjects with a low red blood cell thiamin level were found to have cerebral atrophy on CT scan and two had psychometric deficits.