Frontal lobe deficiency, characterized by executive dysfunction such as
deficits in attention and working memory, has been linked with an
inability to abstain from alcohol.
"Thus, we suspect that, depending on the volumes of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, an alcohol user may present executive dysfunctions even when clinical signs of alcohol dependence are absent or mild and their more global mental status is still preserved. This may help to provide a more precocious diagnosis of drug addiction and earlier health assistance."
Brain Shrinkage and Alcoholic Behavior
The shrinkage observed seems to be more extensive in the cortex of
the frontal lobe, which is believed to be the seat of higher
intellectual functions. This shrinkage generally increases with age, at
least in men.
Repeated imaging of a group of alcoholics who continued drinking over
a five-year period revealed progressive brain shrinkage that
significantly exceeded normal age-related shrinkage. The rate of frontal
cortex shrinkage correlates closely with the amount of alcohol
consumed.
But this shrinkage has also been observed in deeper brain regions, including brain structures associated with memory, as well as in the cerebellum, which helps regulate coordination and balance.
https://www.verywellmind.com/images-of-brain-damage-62744
https://www.verywellmind.com/images-of-brain-damage-62744
However, these effects are usually reversed with alcohol abstinence. Even quitting drinking for three to four weeks has shown to reverse the effects on memory loss and problem-solving skills. MRI shows some recovery of tissue volume after a period of abstinence. But when an alcoholic returns to drinking they show further reductions in brain tissue volume.
The contributory rate of alcohol consumption for frontal lobe shrinkage was 11.3%. CONCLUSION The brain tends to shrink physiologically with age. Heavy alcohol consumption seems to exaggerate this shrinkage in social drinkers.
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