Excessive consumption of alcohol affects many functions associated with the prefrontal and temporal lobes, including different executive functions, memory, and complex motor control. Among several treatments, the Transtheoretical Model, a multidisciplinary approach, is one of the most standardized. However, it lacks effective and innovative cognitive rehabilitation tools. In this study, two cognitive rehabilitation tools, already clinically validated for stroke patients, will be implemented to promote cognitive recovery of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) individuals under treatment in the Alcoholic Rehabilitation Center S. Ricardo Pampuri from Casa de Saúde S. João de Deus (Madeira, Portugal). Within a randomized controlled trial with 60 participants, this study intend to assess and compare the clinical effectiveness of both a paper-and-pencil tasks training and content equivalent virtual reality (VR) simulation of activities of daily living with time-matched standard treatment.
Cognitive dysfunction is one of the different consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, affecting many domains associated with prefrontal and temporal lobes, such as attention, verbal fluency, and memory.~This study will explore the clinical impact of two cognitive rehabilitation tools to promote cognitive improvements of AUD individuals.