Effects of abstinence of alcohol on neurocognitive functioning in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome

Alcohol dependence causes impairment of neurocognitive functions. Abstinence for some time leads to improvement in neurocognitive functions. This study was conducted with the aim to observe the effects of abstinence on neurocognition.

The current study was an observational, single group with longitudinal design exploring the effect of abstinence on neuropsychological functioning and further exploring correlation of clinical factors with neuropsychological functioning in patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS). Sixty consecutive male patients of ADS meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were inducted. Neurocognitive tests were applied at baseline, one month and three months of abstinence.

All neurocognitive functions showed significant improvement at three-time intervals (p < 0.05) except for visuomotor function, for which improvement was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) at one month. The difference for scores on verbal fluency, working memory, set-shifting (WCST total trials and perseverative errors) and visuomotor function from 0 to 3 months was significant (p < 0.05). There was significant interaction (p < 0.05) between duration of regular but non-dependent use, total duration of use, duration of dependence, average intake per day, last intake and time period with verbal fluency, working memory, set -shifting (for WCST total trials, total errors, perseverative errors and non-perseverative errors) and visuomotor function.

The study showed improvement in neurocognitive functions with abstinence over three months, suggesting the need to address these cognitive deficits in the early part of abstinence. Also, correlates for drinking history were identified which may help in the future for the prevention and management of cognitive deficits in ADS patients.