Neuropsychology Final Exam

 How much/often one drinks
         Dependence/withdrawal
W/marijuana, reverse tolerance where one needs less to have same effect
      o   Dependence will incrementally occur
      o   Typically progressive in nature     Cigarettes -> Alcohol -> Crack
o   Age which one began to drink
  In early adolescence, body will reshape around it
o   Prenatal exposure
  Will be reinforced when experimental phase begins General health

 Alcohol affects variety of systems

Autopsy results show shrunken brain mass (alcohol abuse)

Extensive in cortex and frontal lob (cognitive abilities)

After age of 40, significant neurocognitive problem if still drinking heavily

Before 40, it can be reversed

Jensen & Packenburg (The Lansit) “Do Alcoholics Drink Neurons Away

White matter significantly depleted in alcoholics
Gray matter was the same in both populations

White connects various parts of brain (communication)
Substance induced retrograde(old knowledge)/antrograde amnesia

Glutomate
Gava
Dopamine
Endorphines

Alcohol inhibits receptor functions
Discoordination, slurred speech, staggering, blackouts
Ether and chloroform have same effects on glutomate

Enhanced by alcohol
Valium has same effects
Tranquility associated w/drinking, anxiety

Alcohol raises dopamine levels
Hyperactivity
Cocaine and amphetamines

Level is raised by alcohol
Kill pain, similar to morphine & heroin

Consists of hippocampus (memory) and septal area (controls emotion, rage reaction)

Alcohol decreases memory functions and inhibits ability to control emotion

Kinesthetic & fine muscle movement are compromised

As alcohol depresses, increases desire for sex while decreasing ability

Heart rate, respiration

 Alcohol depresses CNS, functions could stop working

Men process alcohol faster than women

80% of alcoholics have thiamine deficiency; some will develop WKS

Consists of 2 seperate syndromes
W: Encephalatophy
K: Psychosic

Mental confusion, paralysis of nerves that move eyes

Occular nerve disturances

Approx 80-90 w/Wernike develop Korsakoff