The Effects of Alcohol Use on Prospective Memory: A Systematic Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Alcohol use is a significant public health issue.
• Evidence suggests a link between alcohol consumption and prospective memory (PM) deficits.
• PM involves remembering to perform future intentions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the relationship between alcohol use and prospective memory (PM) deficits.
• To explore the impact of both acute and chronic alcohol consumption on PM.
• To identify gaps in the current research.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science).
• Inclusion criteria included English language, healthy adult participants (16+ years), and primary data on alcohol's effects on PM.
• Eight peer-reviewed studies (5 RCTs, 3 cross-sectional) met the eligibility criteria.

Main Results:

• Acute, mild alcohol doses may impair PM performance in social drinkers compared to placebo.
• Alcohol consumption exceeding recommended limits is associated with impaired PM function.
• Other cognitive domains can influence alcohol-induced PM deficits.
• PM impairment from alcohol may be mitigated through future event simulation techniques.

Conclusions:

• Alcohol consumption, even at modest levels, has the potential to impair prospective memory.
• The existing research base is limited by a small number of studies and methodological weaknesses.
• Further investigation is required to fully elucidate the complex relationship between alcohol and PM.