Individuals who drink heavily and smoke may show ‘early aging’
of the brain - Alcohol treatment interventions work best when
patients understand and are actively involved in the process. -
A first-of-its-kind study looks at the interactive effects of
smoking status and age on neurocognition in one-month-abstinent
alcohol dependent (AD) individuals in treatment. - Results show
that AD individuals who currently smoke have more problems with
memory, ability to think quickly and efficiently, and problem-
solving skills than those who do not smoke, effects which seem
to become greater with increasing age. Treatment for alcohol use
disorders works best if the patient actively understands and
incorporates the interventions provided in the clinic. Multiple
factors can influence both the type and degree of neurocognitive
abnormalities found during early abstinence, including chronic
cigarette smoking and increasing age. A new study is the first
to look at the interactive effects of smoking status and age on
neurocognit