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Published on: February 6, 2019
The relationship between alcohol and cognitive functioning following traumatic brain injury
Jennie Ponsford1, Laura Tweedly, John Taffe
1School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. jennie.ponsford@monash.edu
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Preinjury alcohol use negatively impacts memory and processing speed after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Postinjury alcohol consumption further impairs executive functions in TBI survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to long-term cognitive deficits.
- Alcohol consumption is a common concern in TBI populations, with potential to exacerbate cognitive impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between alcohol consumption patterns (frequency and quantity) and cognitive functioning post-TBI.
- To differentiate the effects of preinjury versus postinjury alcohol use on cognitive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study involving 60 individuals with moderate to severe TBI.
- Assessment of preinjury alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
- Evaluation of alcohol consumption frequency and quantity at 6-9 and 12-15 months post-TBI using AUDIT and Time Line Follow-Back (TLFB).
- Cognitive assessments included processing speed/attention, memory, and executive function.
Main Results:
- Preinjury harmful/hazardous alcohol use was linked to poorer memory and slower processing speed post-TBI.
- Postinjury alcohol consumption at follow-up was associated with significantly poorer executive functioning.
- No significant association was found between preinjury alcohol use and executive functioning at 6-9 months.
Conclusions:
- Both preinjury and postinjury alcohol use are negatively associated with cognitive functioning after TBI.
- Findings support advising TBI patients to abstain from alcohol.
- Interventions aimed at reducing postinjury alcohol use may improve cognitive outcomes in TBI survivors.
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