A PC-based software test for measuring alcohol and drug effects in human subjects

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human Factors Engineering
• Psychopharmacology

Background:

• Assessing cognitive performance under the influence of substances is crucial for safety-critical tasks.
• Existing tests often rely on hardware or lack sensitivity to subtle impairments.
• A need exists for a standardized, easily distributable cognitive assessment tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel software-based visual search and divided-attention test.
• To assess the test's sensitivity to alcohol-induced cognitive impairment.
• To determine the test's utility in research and fitness-for-duty evaluations.

Main Methods:

• A software-based visual divided-attention test using language-free graphic displays was administered.
• 24 healthy adults (21-62 years) participated in a placebo-controlled, dose-response alcohol study.
• A latin-square design was employed with placebo, low (0.48 g/kg/LBM), and moderate (0.72 g/kg/LBM) alcohol doses.

Main Results:

• Significant performance impairments in visual search and divided attention were observed with moderate alcohol doses.
• Rising and falling breath alcohol levels correlated with performance decrements.
• Subjects reported no eye-strain or psychomotor fatigue, unlike with previous tests.

Conclusions:

• The software-based test reliably detects alcohol-induced cognitive impairment.
• Its high sensitivity and PC-based platform facilitate wide distribution for research and testing.
• This tool offers a standardized method for comparing alcohol and drug effects on cognition.