Cognitive function and alcohol use disorder: Path analysis for a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Objective: Alcohol has cognitive impacts on patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this study, we intended to study cognitive impairments in patients with AUD and their potential interrelationships. Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with AUD or alcohol intoxication in Taiwan. The severity of alcohol use was assessed using a copy for severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire (SADQ). Cognitive function was evaluated using Stroop color and word test, continuous performance test-identical pairs, trail making test, visual alternating and divided attention subscales of computerized everyday attention test, visual elevator subscale of test of everyday attention, Benton judgment of line orientation test, spatial perception subscale of visual object perception test, visual motor organization subscale of Loewenstein occupational therapy, thinking operations subscale of Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment, digit symbol coding subscale of Wechsler adult intelligence scale-third edition, as well as symbol digit modalities test. Moreover, we used a structural equation modeling (SEM) to link age, duration of alcohol use, SADQ, and cognitive impairments. Results: Patients with AUD had significantly impairments of “attention” (p < 0.01), “visual motor coordination” (p < 0.001), and “executive function” (p < 0.01). SEM analysis showed that the higher level of attention, visual motor coordination, and executive functional impairments were significantly linked with old age (p < 0.01), long duration of alcohol use (p < 0.01), and higher score of SADQ (p < 0.01). Furthermore, we found that the three cognitive impairments were positively associated with each other. Conclusion: Old age, long duration of alcohol use, and severe alcohol use were the predictors of cognitive impairments and early detection. The early screening of predictive factors and timely interventions should be considered to improve cognitive function in patients with AUD.