Screening for Cognitive Dysfunction in Amphetamine Users in Saudi Arabia; a Case-control Investigation Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Amphetamine users have deficits in cognitive performance; however, the effects of duration and amount of use on cognitive decline remain elusive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlates of cognitive functioning in amphetamine users in Saudi Arabia. This was a case-control community-based study, using an Arabic adaptation of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE). The study compared users of amphetamine (n = 50) and controls (n = 50) in terms of performance on the ACE. Amphetamine users underperformed controls in the cognitive domains of attention, memory, language, fluency, and visuospatial faculties, even after controlling for psychiatric and sociodemographic variables. Heavy and prolonged use of amphetamine was associated with worse cognitive performance. Use of amphetamine at lower doses was not associated with worsening of cognitive functioning. The study adds to the evidence that amphetamine use is associated with impairment in cognitive functioning in Saudi Arabia. This has implications in terms of designing therapeutic interventions that account for potential cognitive difficulties in amphetamine abusers.