Neuropsychological impairments in alcoholism: reviewing working memory and executive cognitive functioning

Authors

  • Natalia Landa Psicóloga Clínica. Fundación Proyecto Hombre de Navarra. Enviar correspondencia a: Natalia Landa Avda. Zaragoza, 23 (Edificio Padres Paules). 31005 Pamplona
  • Javier Fernández-Montalvo Departamento de Psicología y Pedagogía. Universidad Pública de Navarra.
  • Javier Tirapu Ustarroz Servicio de Neuropsicología. Clínica Ubarmin. Pamplona.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20882/adicciones.417

Keywords:

Alcoholism, Neuropsychological impairment, Working memory, Executive cognitive functioning, Vulnerability

Abstract

Research into neuropsychological deficit in alcoholics has acquired a special prominence in the last decade. This is due to its importance for both the therapeutic outcome and the therapeutic design. A review of the main studies on memory impairments and on executive cognitive functioning in alcoholics is presented in this article. Results show a disturbance in the memory, especially in the working memory and in the learning strategies, although there are some discrepancies. In addition, data supporting the existence of a dysexecutive syndrome in alcoholics have been reported. Lastly, the influence of the executive cognitive function as a vulnerability factor in developing alcoholism is analysed.

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Published

2004-01-15

Issue

Section

Review