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Perfusion MRI and computerized cognitive test abnormalities in abstinent methamphetamine users
Linda Chang1, Thomas Ernst, Oliver Speck
1Medical Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Building 490, Upton, NY, 11973-5000, USA. changl@bnl.gov
Abstract:
This study aims to determine possible persistent abnormalities in regional cerebral blood flow (relative rCBF) and cognitive function in abstinent methamphetamine (METH) users. Twenty METH-dependent subjects (abstinent for 8+/-2 months) and 20 age- and gender-matched controls were evaluated with perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) and neuropsychological tests. METH users showed decreased relative rCBF bilaterally in putamen/insular cortices (right: -12%; left: -10%) and the right lateral parietal brain region (-11%), but increased relative rCBF bilaterally in the left temporoparietal white matter (+13%), the left occipital brain region: (+10%) and the right posterior parietal region (+24%). Interaction effects were observed between METH and gender in the right occipital cortex and a midline brain region; female METH users showed increased relative rCBF (+15% both regions) whereas the male METH users had decreased relative rCBF (-10% and -18%, respectively). METH users performed within normal ranges on standard neuropsychological tests; however, they were slower on several tasks on the California Computerized Assessment Package (CalCAP), especially tasks that required working memory. These findings suggest that METH abuse is associated with persistent physiologic changes in the brain, and these changes are accompanied by slower reaction times on computerized measures of cognitive function.
Insights
Methamphetamine (METH) abstinence is linked to lasting brain blood flow changes and slower cognitive task performance, particularly in working memory. These persistent effects highlight the long-term impact of METH abuse on brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Methamphetamine (METH) abuse can lead to long-term neurological and cognitive deficits.
- Understanding persistent changes in brain function after METH abstinence is crucial for treatment and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate persistent abnormalities in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and cognitive function in abstinent METH users.
- To identify specific brain regions affected by chronic METH use and subsequent abstinence.
Main Methods:
- Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) was used to assess rCBF in 20 abstinent METH users and 20 controls.
- Neuropsychological tests, including the California Computerized Assessment Package (CalCAP), evaluated cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Abstinent METH users exhibited altered rCBF in several brain regions, including decreased flow in the putamen/insular cortices and increased flow in white matter and occipital regions.
- Gender-specific differences in rCBF were observed, with female METH users showing increased flow and male users showing decreased flow in certain areas.
- METH users performed within normal ranges on standard tests but were slower on CalCAP tasks, especially those involving working memory.
Conclusions:
- Methamphetamine abuse is associated with persistent physiological brain changes, even after prolonged abstinence.
- These neurophysiologic alterations correlate with subtle cognitive impairments, such as slower reaction times in working memory tasks.
- Findings underscore the lasting impact of METH on brain structure and function, necessitating targeted interventions for recovery.