[Neuropsychological repercussions of chronic alcoholism.]

Although there is no evidence of general intellectual deterioration in chronic alcoholics, several specific deficits have been identified in them during neuropsychological tests used to evaluate their cognitive, mnemonic, visual-motor and spatial capacities. The neurological interpre-ation of this data allows one to suppose that diffuse cerebral damage exists, involving in particular the frontal lobes and their functional connections with the limbic and diencephalic structure. Although a substantial recuperation is effected during the 2 or 3 weeks following the termination of alcohol consumption, the restoration of the functions remains generally incomplete; thus the necessity for treatment programs adapted to the needs and capacities of this population and the elaboration of techniques aimed at the maximum recuperation of these deficits.