| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Relationship between learning, recall, and recognition and fornix microstructural integrity in recently detoxified alcoholics: A 1-year longitudinal study. | | Authors: Alhassoon O, Taylor M, Sorg S, Schweinsburg B, Stricker N, Kimmel C, Grant | | Year: 2013 | | Publication: Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology | | Volume: 28 Issue: 6 Pages: 533 | | Abstract:Objective: The fornix, a white matter tract affected in Alcoholic Korsakoff’s Syndrome, has been associated with learning and memory impairment. The current longitudinal study examines the association between white matter integrity in fornix and memory/learning in recently detoxified alcoholics (RDA). Method: 15 male RDA (mean age = 51.4 years) from a VA hospital were examined two weeks and then one year after abstinence and compared to 15 age and education matched controls. Measures included learning, delayed recall loss, and recognition, as well as fractional anisotropy of fornix (FAF). Results : There was a statistically significant interaction between time and group in FAF, F(1, 28) = 16.43, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.37. Further analysis indicated that the two groups differed significantly on FAF at two weeks, t(28) = -3.88, p < 0.001, ω2 = 0.33; and at one year post-abstinence, t(28) = -2.01, p = 0.05, ω2 = 0.09. The RDA had lower FAF at both time points. In addition both groups exhibited significant change over time, with RDA FAF increasing, t(14) = 2.43, p = 0.03, ω2 = 0.30 and control decreasing, t(14) = -3.33, p = 0.005, ω2 = 0.44. Although the two groups did not differ significantly on any measure of memory, RDA showed deficits (mean T-score < 40) on learning. A significant positive correlation, r = 0.65, p < 0.01, was observed between increases in FAF and learning performance at follow-up in RDA. Conclusions: The fornix is susceptible to the effect of alcohol and does not completely recover after a year of abstinence. The learning deficits that are observed in RDA appear to ameliorate with abstinence and are associated with increased FAF. (VA Merit Review SA-320) |
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