Pattern and related factors of cognitive impairment among chronic methamphetamine users

Methamphetamine (MA) use is increasingly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia and commonly associated with cognitive impairment. The present study estimated the characteristics of cognitive impairment and explored the associated potential factors among chronic MA users.

The data were from the baseline visit of a longitudinal study among synthetic drug users. The baseline survey was conducted in detoxification and rehabilitation centers in Guangdong province, China, from September to December in 2013. A total of 528 participants were included in our analysis. Cognitive impairment was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Logistic regression was performed to explore the risk factors associated with cognitive impairment.

Approximately 69.89% of the study participants exhibited cognitive impairment according to MoCA scores. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that older age (≥30 years old), a longer duration of MA use (>24 months), and a higher frequency of MA use (everyday) were associated with cognitive impairment, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.34), 1.53 (95%CI: 1.01-2.31), and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.05-2.30), respectively. Methamphetamine users that had a higher level of education had a lower risk of cognitive impairment(OR = .59; 95%CI: .38-.93).

Cognitive impairment occurred frequently among chronic MA users. The causal relationship between cognitive impairment and MA use needs to be ascertained in longitudinal studies in future work. Our study provides evidence for the development of intervention strategies for the prevention of MA use and associated cognitive impairment. (Am J Addict 2017;26:145-151).