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NQ66498
Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

A comparative study to assess neurocognitive


impairment associated with alcohol and opioid
dependence syndromes
Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra1, Snehanshu Dey1, Jitendriya Biswal1, Rakesh Mohanty*1, Surjeet Sahoo1,
Department of Psychiatry, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, K8,
Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA

Corresponding Author*: Dr. Rakesh


MohantyDepartment of Psychiatry,
IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University,
K8, Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751003, Odisha, INDIA
Email ID: rmohanty.dr@gmail.com

Abstract depe
Background: Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. There are nden
a lot of debates concerning the cognitive impairment or dementia, it is due to direct ethanol neurotoxicity, ce
or presentation of another underlying pathology ( may be thiamine deficiency) or if it is multifactorial syndr
(neurotoxicity as well as multivitamin deficiency). Alcohol dependence induces cognitive impairments ome.
mainly affecting executive functions, episodic memory, and visuospatial capacities related to multiple brain With
lesions. Individuals with opioid dependence, on the other hand, have cognitive deficits during abuse period early
in attention, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function. However, cognitive deficit has inter
been found only in executive function after a prolonged period of abstinence. The aim of the study was to venti
compare the neurocognitive impairment in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid ons
Dependence patients and to compare the difference in the domains of neurocognitive assessment in prev
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome with opiods Dependence Syndrome. entio
Methods: After approval of the institutional Ethics committee board, written informed consent was taken. n of
It was a prospective tertiary hospital based longitudinal study. A sample size of 50 in each group was taken cogni
for the study. The difference between the groups on continuous data was analyzed by t-test or Mann- tive
Whitney U test based on the normality of the data. Normality was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk test. The impai
difference in the categorical data between the two groups was analyzed by Fisher’s exact test. rmen
Results: When age and gender was compared there was no significant difference. Performance test of t is
intelligence quotient dysfunction was seen in 38 (76%), 42 (84%), 33 (66%), 40 (80%) patients at baseline possi
and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome respectively. Verbal ble.
quotient dysfunction in adult intelligence scale was seen in 37 (74%), 39 (78%), 37 (74%), 43 (86%) patients This
at baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opiods dependence syndrome respectively. study
Conclusion: This suggests i.e. neurocognitive impairment is a hallmark of substance use disorder. Patients
with alcohol dependence syndrome are more prone for cognitive impairment compare to opioid
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NEUROQUANTOLOGY | SEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11 |PAGE 4895-4905|DOI: 10.14704/NQ.2022.20.11.NQ66498
Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

4895

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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

also suggests that patients of alcohol and opioid dependence shows improvement following treatment and
abstinent from substances.
key words: Alcohol, opioid, dependence, cognitive impairment, substance use.
DOI Number: 10.14704/nq.2022.20.11.NQ66498 NeuroQuantology 2022; 20(11): 4895-4905
1. Introduction typically involves periods of exacerbation and
Neurocognitive functions are cognitive remission. Although the person might have
functions that are closely related to the function phases of dedication in between, the
of specific areas of the brain, neural pathways, or vulnerability to relapse never disappears.
cortical networks at the cellular molecular level. Alcohol dependence induces cognitive
Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), previously impairments mainly affecting executive functions,
referred to in the DSM-IV-TR as dementia, are episodic memory, and visuospatial capacities
disorders that involve impairments in cognitive related to multiple brain lesions. These cognitive
abilities such as memory, problem solving, and impairments not only play a major role in
perception. Alcohol dependence syndrome is a determining the management of patients, but
chronic disease in which a person craves drinks also have an impact on the prognosis of each
containing alcohol and is unable to control his or patient. Individuals with opioid dependence, on
her drinking habits. A person with this syndrome the other hand, have cognitive deficits during
also develops tolerance (needs to drink greater abuse period in attention, working memory,
amounts to get the same effect) and has episodic memory, and executive function.[6]
withdrawal symptoms after stopping alcohol use. However, cognitive deficit has been found only in
Alcohol dependence affects physical and mental executive function after a prolonged period of
health, and can cause issues at interpersonal and abstinence. It therefore appears crucial to clearly
professional level.[1] The development of alcohol define neuropsychological management designed
dependence is a complex and dynamic process. to identify and evaluate the type and severity of
Many neurobiological and environmental factors alcohol-related or opioid related cognitive
influence the motivation to consume alcohol [2, impairments. Only a few studies have explored
3]. Opioid use disorder (OUD) can either involve cognitive function during the above-mentioned
misuse of prescribed opioid medications for pain dependence syndrome. Literature search
relief, or use of illicitly obtained heroin. Opioid suggests that approximately 3.7 million 4896
use disorder or opioid dependence diagnosis is individuals have used heroin and other opiate
based on the American Psychiatric Association substances in their lifetime. [7] Despite increasing
DSM-5 criteria and includes a desire to obtain knowledge of the ill effects of heroin, it remains
and take opioids despite social and professional the most abused opiate and its use among adults
consequences. Like any other substance abuse is on the rise[7,8]. The main aim of the present
disorder, opioid use disorder consists of an study was to explore cognitive functions of
overpowering desire to consume opioids, is individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome
associated with increased opioid tolerance, and and opioid dependence syndrome. The study
withdrawal syndrome when discontinued. [4, 5]. aims at assessing the neurocognitive impairment,
As mentioned earlier, alcohol addiction is such as visuospatial skills, executive functions etc.
a complex and dynamic process and leads to a Neuropsychological dysfunctions have been
host of neuroadaptive changes in the brain’s shown to have an increased prevalence in
reward and stress circuits in which the chronic patients with alcohol dependence; especially
presence of alcohol produces a constant those who are chronic alcoholics. There have
challenge to regulatory homeostatic systems been many studies looking at these abnormalities
leading to myriad neurocognitive changes. in opioid dependence patients as well and they
Similarly, the opiods dependence syndrome also have yielded mixed results. The need of our study

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NEUROQUANTOLOGY | SEPTEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 11 |PAGE 4895-4905|DOI: 10.14704/NQ.2022.20.11.NQ66498
Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

was to study and compare the prevalence of 3. Duration of illness for patient of Alcohol
some neurocognitive impairment such as Dependence Syndrome currently using the
visuospatial functions, memory and executive substance will be at least 2 years and
tasks etc. in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome patients between ages 20 -40 Years.
patients compared to Opioid Dependence 4. Duration of illness for patient of Opioid
syndrome patients matched for age. Dependence Syndrome currently using the
substance will be at least 2 years and
2. Methodology patients between ages 20 -40 Years
After approval of the institutional Ethics 5. The patients who are having CIWA Ar score
committee board, written informed consent was <10 and COWS score <5 will only be
taken from all the eligible and willing patients. included.
Study design: Prospective tertiary hospital based Exclusion criteria of case
longitudinal study 1. History of other substance abuse other
than Alcohol or Opioid except
Sample size calculations Nicotine,Caffeine.
A sample size of 50 in each group will be required 2. The patients who had previously received
to prove that Neurocognitive impairment will be medication for neurocognitive impairment.
observed more in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome 3. Those having Head injury, Seizure disorder,
than Opioid Dependence Syndrome. The SD is Schizophrenia ,Parkinsonism , Bipolar
taken as 2 from the previous studies and the disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,
alpha error is taken as 5 %. The study is powered and other history of neurological illness or
at 80%. brain injury.
Statistical analysis 4. Patients having history of intake of
The continuous data was expressed as mean +/- Benzodiazepine in last 24 hours.
SD and the categorical data was expressed as
proportions. The difference between the groups Study procedure, tools & evaluation
on continuous data was analyzed by t-test or Socio- demographic and clinical data sheet
Mann-Whitney U test based on the normality of This was specially prepared for noting down the
the data. Normality was assessed by Shapiro-Wilk social, demographic & clinical variables of the
test. The difference in the categorical data patient including case record file number, age, 4897
between the two groups was analyzed by Fisher’s sex, education level, occupation, marital status,
exact test. Data was be analyzed by repeated religion, family income, duration of illness, past
measures ANOVA for within the group analysis. history, family history and diagnosis of patient
The relationship between the continuous and history of substance abuse.
outcome and various variable was dealt by linear Alcohol use Disorder Identification Scale
regression techniques. The missing values will be (AUDIT -C)[9]
treated by multiple imputation techniques. The AUDIT-C is a brief alcohol screen that reliably
P<0.05 will be considered significant. The data identifies patients who are hazardous drinkers or
was analyzed using SPSS version 22program. have active alcohol use disorders
Inclusion criteria for cases Clinical institute withdrawal assessment
1. The Patients who gave written informed of Alcohol scale (CIWA-Ar)[10]
consent. CIWA–Ar scale used in assessment and
2. Cases were diagnosed to be suffering from management of alcohol withdrawal
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome and Opioid Clinical opiate withdrawal scale
Dependenc Syndrome as per ICD 10 (COWS)[11]
criteria[8]

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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

COWS identify about level of physical criteria’s then cognitive assessment will be
dependence on opioids and to assess a patient’s done with above mentioned scales.
level of opiate withdraw. 3. Patient with Opioid dependence Syndrome
3. PGI-BBD( The post graduate institute batery first was treated for withdrawal symptoms
of brain dysfunction (PGI-BBD) for and of COWS<5 taken into consideration
neuropsychiatric assessment [12] after satisfying inclusion and exclusion
4. Addiction Severity Index criteria then cognitive assessment will be
Procedure done with above mentioned scales.
1. Patients diagnosed to be suffering from 4. For both groups Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome and Opioid Syndrome and Opioid Dependence Syndrome
Dependence Syndrome as per ICD 10 DCR PGIBBD was applied again after 1 month.
criteria were selected for the study after 3. Results
satisfying the inclusion criteria, exclusion Baseline characteristics
criteria and written informed consent. Socio Data for 50 patients each diagnosed either as
demographic datasheet was filled for each Alcohol dependence syndrome or opiods
patient. dependence syndrome were collected.
2. Patient with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Demographic characteristics and scoring
first was treated for withdrawal symptoms supporting the diagnosis were collected at
and if CIWA Ar<10 taken into consideration baseline and have been represented in Table 1.
after satisfying inclusion and exclusion
Table 1: Baseline Parameters in Study Groups.
Parameters Alcohol dependence Opioid dependence P-value$
4898
syndrome syndrome
Number of patients 50 50 0.094
Age (in years)# 28.76± 6.48 30.86±5.91
Gender 0.298
Male (%) 45 [90] 46 [92]
Female (%) 5 [10] 4 [8]
CIWA-Ar scale 5.42 ±2.73 -
COWS - 2.42±1.14
Education level
Illiterate (%) 11 [22] 18 [36]
Secondary (%) 10 [20] 13 [26] 0.1
Higher secondary (%) 17 [34] 7 [14]
Graduate and above (%) 12 [24] 12 [24]
Marital status
Unmarried (%) 19 [38] 13 [26] 0.267
Married (%) 13 [26] 20 [40]
Divorced/Separated (%) 18 [36] 17 [34]
Family h/o substance abuse (%) 22 [44] 19 [38]
AUDIT-C score 4.98±2.08 - 0.542
Low risk of drinking (%) 16 [32] -
High risk of drinking (%) 34 [68] -
ASI score# 2.24±1.04 2.3±1.18 0.788
Based on ASI score
Slight problem (%) 15 [30] 18 [36]

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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

Moderate problem (%) 12 [24] 11 [22] 0.813


Considerable difficulty (%) 14 [28] 15 [30]
Extreme problem (%) 9 [18] 6 [12]

Data in frequency (%) #data in mean±SD, $using All baseline characteristics between both the
Independent t-test or chi square test patient groups is comparable between both the
CIWA-Ar- Clinical Institute Withdrawal groups.
Assessment for Alcohol scale, COWS- Clinical
Opiate Withdrawal Score, AUDIT-C- Alcohol Use PGI-Memory Scale
Disorders Identification Test ASI- Addiction Table 2 shows the dysfunction rating on PGI-MS.
severity index At follow up the memory rating improved and
none of the patients in either group had a
dysfunctional rating score of 3.

Table 2 :PGI-Memory Scale (PGI-MS) Dysfunctional scores.


Domains Dysfunction Alcohol dependence Opioid dependence
syndrome [n=50] syndrome [n=50]

Baseline Follow up Baseline Follow up


Remote memory 0 22 29 26 31
2 25 21 23 19
3 3 0 1 0
Recent memory 0 7 29 11 32
2 20 21 15 18 4899

3 23 0 24 0
Mental balance 0 9. 35 13 31
2 24 15 20 19
3 17 0 17 0
Attention & 0 8 33 15 35
concentration 2 23 17 18 15
3 19 0 17 0
Delayed recall 0 12 29 14 30
2 24 21 22 20
3 14 0 14 0
Immediate recall 0 11 30 15 35
2 28 20 21 15
3 11 0 14 0
Retention of similar 0 7 29 9 36
pairs 2 17 21 19 14
3 26 0 22 0
Retention of 0 8 31 10 32
dissimilar pairs 2 24 19 19 18
3 18 0 21 0
Visual retention 0 9 34 11 30
2 22 16 20 20
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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

3 19 0 19 0
Visual recognition 0 8 31 10 35
2 16 19 19 15
3 26 0 21 0

The mean scores for these domains were also calculated at baseline and follow up for both the groups
Table 3.
Table 3: Intra group & inter group comparison of memory

Domains Alcohol dependence syndrome Opioid dependence syndrome

for
at
value
difference
follow up$
Follow up

Follow up

P value#*
Baseline

Baseline
P value#

P
Remote memory 4.22±0.86 4.96±0.9 0.054 4.44±0.68 4.98±0.87 0.062 0.91
Recent memory 2.82±1 4.9±0.86 <0.001* 3.04±1.21 5.06±0.89 <0.001* 0.36
Mental balance 3.02±1.04 5.14±0.86 <0.001* 3.26±1.19 4.92±0.83 <0.001* 0.19
Attention & 2.94±1.02 5±0.83 <0.001* 3.33±1.2 4.98±0.77 <0.001* 0.9 4900
concentration
Delayed recall 3.2±1.11 4.88±0.85 <0.001* 3.28±1.16 4.96±0.88 <0.001* 0.65
Immediate recall 3.22±1.04 4.94±0.87 <0.001* 3.32±1.19 5.06±0.82 <0.001* 0.48
Retention of 2.76±1.02 4.84±0.82 <0.001* 2.92±1.09 5.06±0.79 <0.001* 0.18
similar pairs
Retention of 2.96±1 4.86±0.78 <0.001* 2.98±1.12 5±0.86 <0.001* 0.4
dissimilar pairs
Visual retention 2.98±1.06 5.1±0.86 <0.001* 3.06±1.13 4.98±0.89 <0.001* 0.5
Visual 2.8±1.07 5.06±0.91 <0.001* 2.98±1.12 5.08±0.83 <0.001* 0.91
recognition

There was a significant increase in all the domains from baseline to follow up in both the groups except
remote memory which although improved a little but was statistically and clinically insignificant in both the
groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the follow up scores between both the groups.

Bhatia Battery of Performance Tests of Intelligence (short form)


Table 4: Dysfunctional rating of performance quotient.
Domains Dysfunction Alcohol dependence Opioid dependence
syndrome [n=50] syndrome [n=50]
Baseline Follow up Baseline Follow up
Performance 0 12 8 17 10
Quotient 2 27 30 20 24
3 11 12 13 16
P/K X 100 0 11 12 16 19
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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

2 28 36 20 30
3 11 2 14 1

Table 4 shows the dysfunction rating on The mean scores for these domains were also
performance quotient. Performance quotient calculated at baseline and follow up for both the
dysfunction was seen in 38 (76%), 42 (84%), 33 groups Table 7. There was a significant increase in
(66%), 40 (80%) patients at baseline and follow all the domains from baseline to follow up in both
up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid the groups. There was a statistically significant
dependence syndrome respectively. P/K x 100 increase in the domains of information,
score dysfunction was seen in 39 (78%), 38 (76%), comprehension and verbal quotient in the opiods
34 (68%), 31 (62%) patients at baseline and dependence group as compared to the alcohol
follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome and dependence group at follow up.
opioid dependence syndrome respectively. 3.3. Nahor Benson test & Bender Gestalt Test
The mean scores for these domains were also Table 8 shows the dysfunction rating of
calculated at baseline and follow up for both the Perceptomotor functioning. Nahor-Benson test
groups Table 5. There was a significant increase in dysfunction was seen in 36 (72%), 39 (78%), 38
performance quotient from baseline to follow up (76%), 36 (72%) patients at baseline and follow
in alcohol dependence syndrome patients. There up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid
was no statistically significant difference in the dependence syndrome respectively. The
performance quotient or P/K ×100 scores dysfunction was significantly lower in the opioid
between both the groups at follow up. dependence group at follow up. Bender Gestalt
test dysfunction was seen in 32 (64%), 27 (54%),
Verbal Adult Intelligence Scale 39 (78%), 34 (68%) patients at baseline and
Table 6 shows the dysfunction rating on verbal follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome and
adult intelligence scale. Information dysfunction opioid dependence syndrome respectively. The
was seen in 39 (78%), 32 (64%), 35 70% 34 (68%) dysfunction was significantly less in the opioid
patients at baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome patients as compared to 4901
dependence syndrome and opioid dependence the alcohol dependence syndrome patients after
syndrome respectively. Digit span dysfunction follow up.
was seen in 38 (76%), 35 (70%), 38 (76%), 39
(78%) patients at baseline and follow up of 5. DISCUSSION
alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid The trend across various countries in pattern and
dependence syndrome respectively. Arithmetic harms of extra-medical opioid use and
dysfunction was seen in 37 (74%), 30 (60%), 39 dependence is not dissimilar. The most used
(78%), 32 (64%) patients at baseline and follow substance is illicitly produced heroin in dominant
up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid opioid users. Some exceptions have been seen in
dependence syndrome respectively. source countries and their neighbors such as
Comprehension dysfunction was seen in 42 Afghanistan and Iran, where more than heroin,
(84%), 37 (74%), 32 (64%), 35 (70%) patients at opium has been used and is increasing in
baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence consumption. Globally, the age-standardized
syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome rate of opioid dependence was 510 people per
respectively. Verbal quotient dysfunction was 100,000 population in 2017 report of Global
seen in 37 (74%), 39 (78%), 37 (74%), 43 (86%) Burden of Disease [13].
patients at baseline and follow up of alcohol Alcohol dependence continues to be one of the
dependence syndrome and opiods dependence costliest health care problems in the world. In
syndrome respectively. middle income countries like India, alcohol
consumption is third largest risk factor for disease
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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

and disability. The harmful effects of alcohol are a severity index was the evaluated at baseline in
major global contributing factor to death, these patients accordingly. These patients were
diseases and injury. The drinker effects his health, followed up for a period of one month in the
such as liver cirrhosis, injury, cancer and to others outpatient department and re-evaluated on the
by dangerous acts of intoxications such as same scales after the treatment.
violence or though impact on foetus and child- PGI-Memory Scale was evaluated for the memory
development. It is well established that excessive components, there was a significant increase in
and prolonged alcohol use can lead to permanent all the domains from baseline to follow up in both
damage to the structure and function of the the groups except remote memory which
brain[14]. although improved a little but was statistically
So, it is evident that opioid and alcohol use are and clinically insignificant in both the groups. The
major threat to the society as a whole and its patients had statistically significant and clinically
consumption should be monitored, and patients meaningful improvements in the domains of
should be treated with appropriate therapy as mental balance, improvements in attention and
soon as possible. This study was a prospective concentration across both the groups. The
tertiary hospital based longitudinal study which retention capacity in the patients also improved
4902
compared the neurocognitive impairment after one month of treatment There was not
associated with alcohol dependence and opioid much reduction in remote memory domain at
dependence syndrome. The objective of the baseline and thus not much improvement in the
current study was to explore the improvements same at follow-up. This shows that remote
in neurocognitive impairment in opioids vs the memory is not significantly affected in both
alcohol dependency group. The psychiatric alcohol and opioid dependencies.
examination and diagnosis were done by trained Although improvements were seen from baseline
psychiatrists or under the guidance of a trained to follow-up individually in both the study groups,
psychiatrist. One pause was held during testing, there was no statistically significant difference in
to avoid fatigue. Tests were presented alternating the follow up scores between the groups. At
between difficult and easy ones, and verbal and follow up the memory rating improved and none
nonverbal ones, and memory and non-memory of the patients in either group had a
ones. The study has shown that there is an dysfunctional rating score of three. This showed
overall neurocognitive impairment associated that early treatment of both opioid and alcohol
with both alcohol addiction as well as opioid withdrawal syndrome can improve the memory
dependence, but the magnitude of parameters as early as 30 days.
neurocognitive impairment is more in alcohol Study showed higher prevalence of impairment in
dependence syndrome.Thus, the results support various domains of memory on PGI- Memory
our main hypothesis of improved cognitive Scale among alcoholics as compared to opioids in
performance with therapy,evidentasearly as components of recent memory (p <0.36), mental
week four or one month of therapy balance (p <0.19), and retention of similar pairs
Fifty patients each diagnosed either as alcohol (p<0.18). This study suggests that neurocognitive
dependence syndrome or opioid dependence improvement after treatment is significant in
syndrome were evaluated. The baseline both the groups but there is a no significant
demographic of both the groups were quite improvement between the groups (alcohol group
comparable according to their age, sex, vs opioid group). Neurocognitive deficits related
background education, propensity of having an to alcohol abuse are considered to reflect a
addiction. Clinical Institute rather permanent neurotoxicity[15]. In another
withdrawalassessment for alcohol scale [CIWA- study individuals with current heroin abuse
Ar] and clinical opiate withdrawal score [COWS], showed deficits in attention, working memory,
alcohol use disorders identification test, alcohol episodic memory, and verbal fluency[16]. In a
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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

study patients with opioid abuse history were Arithmetic dysfunction was seen in 37 (74%), 30
studied four months from detoxification, patients (60%), 39 (78%), 32 (64%) patients at baseline
with antisocial personality disorder showed and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome
deficits in complex attention and in executive and opioid dependence syndrome respectively.
function[17]. Comprehension dysfunction was seen in 42
So these findings are in line with the previous (84%), 37 (74%), 32 (64%), 35 (70%) patients at
studies showing similar long-term deleterious baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence
effects in neurocognition in opioid users. In syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome
alcohol dependent patients, cognitive and respectively. Verbal quotient dysfunction was
behavioral changes have received limited seen in 37 (74%), 39 (78%), 37 (74%), 43 (86%)
investigation. A week of abstinence can resolve patients at baseline and follow up of alcohol
many of the deficits associated with heavy dependence syndrome and opioid dependence
alcohol consumption, the further recovery of syndrome respectively.
cognitive abilities can continue over several This study also evaluated the dysfunction rating
years. Cognitive recovery pattern and rate is not on verbal adult intelligence scale. Information
well understood; however, there are suggestions dysfunction was seen in 39 (78%), 32 (64%), 35
that verbal deficits resolve better those (70%), 34 (68%) patients at baseline and follow
visuospatial difficulties. Recovery of cognitive up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid
skills appears to be linked to amount of recent dependence syndrome respectively. Digit span
alcohol use and duration of abstinence rather dysfunction was seen in 38 (76%), 35 (70%), 38
than lifetime alcohol consumption [18]. (76%), 39 (78%) patients at baseline and follow
In this study the Bhatia Battery of Performance up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid
Tests of Intelligence (short) was used for the dependence syndrome respectively. Arithmetic
dysfunction rating on performance quotient. dysfunction was seen in 37 (74%), 30 (60%), 39
Performance quotient dysfunction was seen in 38 (78%), 32 (64%) patients at baseline and follow
(76%), 42 (84%), 33 (66%), 40 (80%) patients at up of alcohol dependence syndrome and opioid
4903
baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence dependence syndrome respectively.
syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome Comprehension dysfunction was seen in 42
respectively. There was a significant increase in (84%), 37 (74%), 32 (64%), 35 (70%) patients at
performance quotient from baseline to follow up baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence
in alcohol dependence syndrome patients. syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome
Although there was no statistically significant respectively. Verbal quotient dysfunction was
difference in the performance quotient or P/K seen in 37 (74%), 39 (78%), 37 (74%), 43 (86%)
*100 scores between both the groups at follow patients at baseline and follow up of alcohol
up. This shows that over a period of one-month dependence syndrome and opioid dependence
follow-up alcohol dependent patients are more syndrome respectively. There was a significant
likely to recover on the intelligence dysfunction increase in all the domains from baseline to
scoring. In this study there were no significant follow up in both the groups. There was a
differences between the groups. statistically significant increase in the domains of
Information dysfunction was seen in 39 (78%), 32 information, comprehension and verbal quotient
(64%), 35 (70%), 34 (68%) patients at baseline in the opioid dependence group as compared to
and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome the alcohol dependence group at follow up.
and opioid dependence syndrome respectively. Perceptomotor functioning was evaluated by the
Digit span dysfunction was seen in 38 (76%), 35 Nahor-Benson test. Dysfunction was seen in 36
(70%), 38 (76%), 39 (78%) patients at baseline (72%), 39 (78%), 38 (76%), 36 (72%) patients at
and follow up of alcohol dependence syndrome baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence
and opioid dependence syndrome respectively. syndrome and opioid dependence syndrome
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Bhatt Vishal Prafulchandra et al / A comparative study to assess neurocognitive impairment associated with alcohol and opioid dependence
syndromes

respectively. The dysfunction was numerically patients as early as possible to minimize the
lower in the opioid dependence group at follow effects of them in long term cognitive effects.
up. Bender Gestalt test dysfunction was seen in
32 (64%), 27 (54%), 39 (78%), 34 (68%) patients Funding source: self
at baseline and follow up of alcohol dependence Conflict of interest: Nil
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