1
|
Jo Nixon S, Garcia CC, Lewis B. WOMEN'S USE OF ALCOHOL: NEUROBIOBEHAVIORAL CONCOMITANTS AND CONSEQUENCES. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023:101079. [PMID: 37269931 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In this narrative review, we draw from historical and contemporary literature to explore the impact of alcohol consumption on brain and behavior among women. We examine three domains: 1) the impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) on neurobiobehavioral outcomes, 2) its impact on social cognition/emotion processing, and 3) alcohol's acute effects in older women. There is compelling evidence of alcohol-related compromise in neuropsychological function, neural activation, and brain structure. Investigations of social cognition and alcohol effects in older women represent emerging areas of study. Initial analyses suggest that women with AUD show significant deficits in emotion processing, a finding also observed in older women who have consumed a moderate dose of alcohol. Critically, despite the long-recognized need for programmatic interrogation of alcohol's effect in women, studies with sufficient numbers of women for meaningful analysis represent a small proportion of the literature, constraining interpretation and generalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jo Nixon
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Department of Psychology, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Department of Neuroscience, Gainesville; University of Florida, Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL.
| | - Christian C Garcia
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL
| | - Ben Lewis
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Department of Psychology, Gainesville, FL; University of Florida, Department of Neuroscience, Gainesville; University of Florida, Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alcohol and aging - An area of increasing concern. Alcohol 2023; 107:19-27. [PMID: 35940508 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use is increasing among adults 65 and older and the size of this population is expanding rapidly. Aging is associated with systemic inflammation, sleep disturbances, cancers, cognitive decline, and increased risk of injury and death from falls and other accidents. Alcohol misuse exacerbates and accelerates these age-related changes. Older drinkers are more sensitive to acute alcohol-induced impairments in memory, coordination, reaction time, and driving performance. Oxidative stress and DNA damage resulting from chronic heavy alcohol consumption contribute to an increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. Medication use increases with age and many medications prescribed to older adults can interact negatively with alcohol. The rapid expansion of the population aged 65 and older, combined with higher levels of alcohol use and AUD in the Baby Boomer cohort than the preceding generation, could significantly increase the burden of alcohol on the healthcare system resulting from AUD and alcohol-related injuries and diseases. Screening and brief intervention for hazardous alcohol use among older patients along with education regarding potential interactions between alcohol and medications could substantially reduce the risk of harms from alcohol but currently is underutilized.
Collapse
|
3
|
Simmons SM, Caird JK, Sterzer F, Asbridge M. The effects of cannabis and alcohol on driving performance and driver behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2022; 117:1843-1856. [PMID: 35083810 DOI: 10.1111/add.15770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cannabis and alcohol are frequently detected in fatal and injury motor vehicle crashes. While epidemiological meta-analyses of cannabis and alcohol have found associations with an increase in crash risk, convergent evidence from driving performance measures is insufficiently quantitatively characterized. Our objectives were to quantify the magnitude of the effect of cannabis and alcohol-alone and in combination-on driving performance and behaviour. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and TRID. Of the 616 studies that underwent full-text review, this meta-analysis represents 57 studies and 1725 participants. We extracted data for hazard response time, lateral position variability, lane deviations or excursions, time out of lane, driving speed, driving speed variability, speed violations, time speeding, headway, headway variability and crashes from experimental driving studies (i.e. driving simulator, closed-course, on-road) involving cannabis and/or alcohol administration. We reported meta-analyses of effect sizes using Hedges' g and r. RESULTS Cannabis alone was associated with impaired lateral control [e.g. g = 0.331, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.212-0.451 for lateral position variability; g = 0.198, 95% CI = 0.001-0.395 for lane excursions) and decreased driving speed (g = -0.176, 95% CI = -0.298 to -0.053]. The combination of cannabis and alcohol was associated with greater driving performance decrements than either drug in isolation [e.g. g = 0.480, 95% CI = 0.096-0.865 for lateral position variability (combination versus alcohol); g = 0.525, 95% CI = 0.049-1.002 for time out of lane (versus alcohol); g = 0.336, 95% CI = 0.036-0.636 for lateral position variability (combination versus cannabis; g = 0.475, 95% CI = 0.002-0.949 for time out of lane (combination versus cannabis)]. Subgroup analyses indicated that the effects of cannabis on driving performance measures were similar to low blood alcohol concentrations. A scarcity of data and study heterogeneity limited the interpretation of some measures. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis indicates that cannabis, like alcohol, impairs driving, and the combination of the two drugs is more detrimental to driving performance than either in isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Simmons
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff K Caird
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,O'Brien Institute of Public Health, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frances Sterzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mark Asbridge
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Williams MK, Vitus D, Ferguson E, Stennett B, Robinson M, Boissoneault J. Acute Tolerance to the Analgesic Effects of Alcohol. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2021; 82:422-430. [PMID: 34100711 PMCID: PMC8328235 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2021.82.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine whether the acute analgesic effects of alcohol intake are moderated by acute alcohol tolerance, characterized by differing subjective and neurobehavioral effects of a given blood alcohol concentration (BAC) depending on whether BAC is rising or falling. METHOD Twenty-nine healthy drinkers (20 women) completed two laboratory sessions in which they consumed a study beverage: active alcohol (target BAC= .08 g/dl) and placebo. Acute alcohol tolerance was assessed by examining the main and interactive effects of beverage condition and assessment limb (ascending vs. descending) on quantitative sensory testing measures collected using slowly ramping heat stimuli and perceived relief ratings at comparable breath alcohol concentrations on the ascending and descending limbs. RESULTS BAC limb moderated the effect of condition on pain threshold, such that the threshold was significantly elevated in the alcohol condition on the ascending limb. The alcohol condition produced greater ratings of perceived pain relief than the placebo condition, and pain relief ratings were greater on the ascending versus descending limb of the BAC curve. Alcohol intake did not significantly affect pain tolerance or aftersensation ratings on either BAC limb. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial experimental evidence that alcohol's analgesic and pain-relieving effects are subject to acute tolerance following acute alcohol intake. These findings suggest that self-medicating pain via alcohol intake may be associated with high-risk drinking topography, increasing the risk for alcohol-related consequences. Further research is needed to determine if these effects extend to the context of clinical and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K. Williams
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Darya Vitus
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Erin Ferguson
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bethany Stennett
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael Robinson
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jeff Boissoneault
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Williams MK, Vitus D, Ferguson E, Stennett B, Robinson M, Boissoneault J. Acute Tolerance to the Analgesic Effects of Alcohol. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2021; 82:422-430. [PMID: 34100711 PMCID: PMC8328235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to determine whether the acute analgesic effects of alcohol intake are moderated by acute alcohol tolerance, characterized by differing subjective and neurobehavioral effects of a given blood alcohol concentration (BAC) depending on whether BAC is rising or falling. METHOD Twenty-nine healthy drinkers (20 women) completed two laboratory sessions in which they consumed a study beverage: active alcohol (target BAC= .08 g/dl) and placebo. Acute alcohol tolerance was assessed by examining the main and interactive effects of beverage condition and assessment limb (ascending vs. descending) on quantitative sensory testing measures collected using slowly ramping heat stimuli and perceived relief ratings at comparable breath alcohol concentrations on the ascending and descending limbs. RESULTS BAC limb moderated the effect of condition on pain threshold, such that the threshold was significantly elevated in the alcohol condition on the ascending limb. The alcohol condition produced greater ratings of perceived pain relief than the placebo condition, and pain relief ratings were greater on the ascending versus descending limb of the BAC curve. Alcohol intake did not significantly affect pain tolerance or aftersensation ratings on either BAC limb. CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial experimental evidence that alcohol's analgesic and pain-relieving effects are subject to acute tolerance following acute alcohol intake. These findings suggest that self-medicating pain via alcohol intake may be associated with high-risk drinking topography, increasing the risk for alcohol-related consequences. Further research is needed to determine if these effects extend to the context of clinical and chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K. Williams
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Darya Vitus
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Erin Ferguson
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Bethany Stennett
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Michael Robinson
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jeff Boissoneault
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson MB, Mechtler L, Ali B, Swedler D, Kelley-Baker T. Cannabis and crash risk among older drivers. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2021; 152:105987. [PMID: 33549974 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.105987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to reanalyze data collected from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Drug and Alcohol Crash Risk Study to investigate whether driving under the influence of cannabis (THC-positive) was associated with elevated crash risk for younger and older drivers. The data came from a case-control relative risk study collected from Virginia Beach, VA, over a 20-month period. Data collectors gathered driver information from the scene of vehicle crashes and, in some cases, from hospitals. Non-crash controls were sampled from the same locations, days, and times as crashes. Key data items included driver demographics and oral fluid and blood samples, which were assayed for licit and illicit drugs. We found no overall association between cannabis use and risk of crash involvement. However, when age and age2 were allowed to interact with THC, significant interaction effects emerged. THC was associated with increased risk of crash involvement for older drivers. Difference between THC-positive and sober drivers emerged as significant at age 64. The research underscores the value of examining drugged driving in the context of driver age. Age-related declines in neurocognitive and psychomotor functioning were not measured but might be important in explaining the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Johnson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 11720 Beltsville Drive, Suite 900, Calverton, MD 20705, USA.
| | - Laszlo Mechtler
- Dent Neurologic Institute, 3980 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226, USA
| | - Bina Ali
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 11720 Beltsville Drive, Suite 900, Calverton, MD 20705, USA
| | - David Swedler
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), 11720 Beltsville Drive, Suite 900, Calverton, MD 20705, USA
| | - Tara Kelley-Baker
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 607 14th Street, NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20005-2000, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garcia CC, Lewis B, Boissoneault J, Nixon SJ. Effects of Age and Acute Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Electrophysiological Indices of Attention. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2020; 81:372-383. [PMID: 32527389 PMCID: PMC7299192 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2020.81.372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 03/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite increased attention to risks and benefits associated with moderate drinking lifestyles among aging adults, relatively few empirical studies focus on acute alcohol effects in older drinkers. Using electroencephalographic indices of early attention modulation (P1 and N1) and later stimulus processing (P3), we investigated whether acute alcohol consumption at socially relevant doses differentially influences neurocognitive performance in older, relative to younger, moderate drinkers. METHOD Younger (25-35 years; n = 97) and older (55-70 years; n = 87) healthy drinkers were randomly assigned to receive one of three alcohol doses (placebo, .04 g/dl, or .065 g/dl target breath alcohol concentrations). Repeated-measures analysis of variance examined the effects of age, alcohol dose concentration, and their potential interaction on P1/P3 amplitudes and N1 latency during completion of a directed attend/ignore task. RESULTS Age-specific effects on P1 amplitudes varied by instruction set, with alcohol-associated decreases in amplitude among older drinkers in response to task-relevant stimuli and increases to irrelevant stimuli, F(2, 141) = 2.70, p = .07, ηp2 = .04. In contrast, N1 analyses demonstrated alcohol-related latency reductions among older, relative to younger, adults, F(2, 83) = 3.42, p = .04. Although no Age × Alcohol interactions were detected for P3, main effects indicated dose-dependent amplitude reductions for relevant stimuli, F(2, 144) = 5.73, p < .01, ηp2 = .08. CONCLUSIONS Our results underscore the impact of acute moderate alcohol consumption on attentional functioning, highlighting age-dependent sensitivity in electrophysiological indices of early attentional processing. Given the import of attentional functioning to quality of life and increases in drinking among a rapidly expanding aging population, these findings have broad public health relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian C. Garcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ben Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jeff Boissoneault
- University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Filomeno R, Ikeda A, Maruyama K, Wada H, Tanigawa T. Excessive daytime sleepiness and alcohol consumption among commercial drivers. Occup Med (Lond) 2020; 69:406-411. [PMID: 31263899 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqz091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial drivers suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) have been identified as a major cause of road traffic accidents. Alcohol usage directly affects sleep, adversely affecting next-day alertness and performance. AIMS To examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and EDS among commercial truck drivers in Japan and the implications of this on public health. METHODS All participants in this cross-sectional study were commercial motor vehicle drivers from Tokyo and Niigata Prefecture. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire with details of their age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score and tobacco usage. Participants' oxygen desaturation index was determined by a pulse oximetry device that participants took home. RESULTS A total of 1422 males registered with the Japan Trucking Association and aged 20-69 years participated. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of EDS among participants aged <43 years was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-1.40) for light drinkers, 0.93 (95% CI 0.51-1.70) for moderate drinkers and 0.61 (95% CI 0.21-1.79) for heavy drinkers, compared to non-drinkers. The multivariate-adjusted OR among participants aged ≥43 years was 1.42 (95% CI 0.59-3.45) for light drinkers, 1.53 (95% CI 0.63-3.75) for moderate drinkers and 3.37 (95% CI 1.14-9.96) for heavy drinkers (P for interaction = 0.05). CONCLUSION We found that the association between ESS and alcohol intake was more evident among those aged ≥43 years, who reported higher levels of EDS with increased alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Filomeno
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - A Ikeda
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Maruyama
- Department of Bioscience, Ehime University Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime, Japan
| | - H Wada
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - T Tanigawa
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Raymond JS, Wilson BB, Tan O, Gururajan A, Bowen MT. Acute alcohol exposure dose-dependently alleviates social avoidance in adolescent mice and inhibits social investigation in adult mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3625-3639. [PMID: 31346653 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05335-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motivations for alcohol consumption often focus on ethanol's purported prosocial effects: social enhancement and reduction of socially focused anxiety. Despite substantial research supporting prosocial effects, contrary research exists demonstrating alcohol-elicited antisocial and asocial behaviours. Additionally, evidence typically fails to delineate whether alcohol-induced prosocial effects are due to alcohol expectancies or pharmacological actions of ethanol. Studies exploring ethanol's pharmacological effects on social behaviour and factors that modulate apparent contradictory prosocial versus asocial effects are lacking. OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether factors of age, ethanol dose and social fear modulate ethanol-induced pharmacological effects on sociability and social anxiety-like avoidance. METHODS Experiments examined the acute effects of ethanol doses (0, 0.25, 0.8, 1.6 g/kg; i.p.) in adult (10-week-old) and adolescent (PND 31-33) C57BL/6J male mice on social interaction using a social fear conditioning paradigm. Control experiments assessed whether ethanol-induced effects were social-specific. RESULTS In adult mice, no specific effects of ethanol on social avoidance were observed at any dose. However, high-dose ethanol (1.6 g/kg) suppressed social approach in all adult mice. In contrast, low-dose ethanol (0.25 g/kg) alleviated social avoidance in adolescent mice and no social suppression was observed at higher ethanol doses. Thus, higher doses of ethanol impair social behaviour in adult mice, whereas lower doses specifically alleviate social anxiety-like avoidance in adolescent mice. CONCLUSIONS Age, dose and social fear are critical modulators of acute ethanol-induced pharmacological effects on social behaviour. Inconsistencies in ethanol-induced social consequences appear at least partly mediated by pharmacological interactions-not solely alcohol expectancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel S Raymond
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Bianca B Wilson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Oliver Tan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Anand Gururajan
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Michael T Bowen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, 2050, NSW, Australia. .,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nixon SJ, Lewis B. Clarifying the neurobehavioral sequelae of moderate drinking lifestyles and acute alcohol effects with aging. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 148:39-78. [PMID: 31733667 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological estimates indicate not only an increase in the proportion of older adults, but also an increase in those who continue moderate alcohol consumption. Substantial literatures have attempted to characterize health benefits/risks of moderate drinking lifestyles. Not uncommonly, reports address outcomes in a single outcome, such as cardiovascular function or cognitive decline, rather than providing a broader overview of systems. In this narrative review, retaining focus on neurobiological considerations, we summarize key findings regarding moderate drinking and three health domains, cardiovascular health, Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cognition. Interestingly, few investigators have studied bouts of low/moderate doses of alcohol consumption, a pattern consistent with moderate drinking lifestyles. Here, we address both moderate drinking as a lifestyle and as an acute event. Review of health-related correlates illustrates continuing inconsistencies. Although substantive reductions in risk for cardiovascular and T2D events are reported, robust conclusions remain elusive. Similarly, whereas moderate drinking is often associated with enhanced cognition and lower dementia risk, few benefits are noted in rates of decline or alterations in brain structure. The effect of sex/gender varies across health domains and by consumption levels. For example, women appear to differentially benefit from alcohol use in terms of T2D, but experience greater risk when considering aspects of cardiovascular function. Finally, we observe that socially relevant alcohol doses do not consistently impair performance in older adults. Rather, older drinkers demonstrate divergent, but not necessarily detrimental, patterns in neural activation and some behavioral measures relative to younger drinkers. Taken together, the epidemiological and laboratory studies reinforce the need for greater attention to key individual differences and for the conduct of systematic studies sensitive to age-related shifts in neurobiological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Jo Nixon
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Ben Lewis
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, Gainesville, FL, United States; University of Florida Center for Addiction Research & Education, Gainesville, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Talwar A, Hill LL, DiGuiseppi C, Betz ME, Eby DW, Molnar LJ, Kelley-Baker T, Villavicencio L, Andrews HF, Li G, Strogatz D. Patterns of Self-Reported Driving While Intoxicated Among Older Adults. J Appl Gerontol 2019; 39:944-953. [PMID: 31185770 DOI: 10.1177/0733464819854005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study examines the prevalence of self-reported driving while intoxicated (DWI) among drivers aged 65 and older. Method: This cross-sectional study was based on baseline data from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study, a multisite prospective cohort study of 2,990 older adult drivers. Alcohol-related variables from the baseline questionnaire were examined in relation to demographics, health status, and driving behaviors. A logistic regression model assessed variables associated with DWI. Results: Of the 2,990 participants, 72.7% reported consuming alcohol, 15.0% reported high-risk drinking, and 3.3% reported DWI. High-risk drinking (OR = 12.01) and risky driving behaviors (OR = 13.34) were significantly associated with at least occasional DWI. Avoidance of hazardous driving conditions (OR = 0.71) and higher level of comfort during challenging driving scenarios (OR = 0.65) were less likely to be associated with DWI. Conclusion: A large number of older adults engage in high-risk drinking and DWI. Public health education and DWI-related interventions should include older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marian E Betz
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Guohua Li
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lewis B, Garcia CC, Nixon SJ. Drinking patterns and adherence to "low-risk" guidelines among community-residing older adults. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 187:285-291. [PMID: 29698895 PMCID: PMC6324529 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults constitute a rapidly expanding proportion of the U.S. POPULATION Contemporary studies note the increasing prevalence of alcohol consumption in this group. Thus, understanding alcohol effects, consumption patterns, and associated risks in aging populations constitute critical areas of study with increasing public health relevance. METHODS Participants (n = 643; 292 women; ages 21-70) were community residing adult volunteers. Primary measures of interest included four patterns of alcohol consumption (average [oz./day]; typical quantity [oz./occasion]; frequency [% drinking days]; and maximal quantity [oz.]). Regression analyses explored associations between these measures, age, and relevant covariates. Subsequent between-group analyses investigated differences between two groups of older adults and a comparator group of younger adults, their adherance to "low-risk" guidelines, and whether alcohol-associated risks differed by age and adherence pattern. RESULTS Average consumption did not vary by age or differ between age groups. In contrast, markedly higher frequencies and lower quantities of consumption were observed with increasing age. These differences persisted across adherence categories and were evident even in the oldest age group. Exceeding "low-risk" guidelines was associated with greater risk for alcohol-related problems among the older groups. CONCLUSIONS These results emphasize the utility of considering underlying constituent patterns of consumption in older drinkers. Findings highlight difficulties in identifying problem drinking among older adults and contribute to the few characterizations of "risky" drinking patterns in this group. Taken together, our data contribute to literatures of import for the design and enhancement of screening, prevention, and education initiatives directed toward aging adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lewis
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 100256, 1149 Newell Dr., L4-100 Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Christian C Garcia
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 100256, 1149 Newell Dr., L4-100 Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 100256, 1149 Newell Dr., L4-100 Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of acute alcohol and driving complexity in older and younger adults. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:887-896. [PMID: 29214468 PMCID: PMC5823740 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Our previous work demonstrated differential neurobehavioral effects of low-dose alcohol consumption on older and younger adults in a driving simulator. However, the ability to enhance or suppress a response in such context has yet to be examined. OBJECTIVES The current study contrasted older and younger drivers' responses to specific stimuli (i.e., relevant, irrelevant) in scenarios of differing complexity following low-dose acute alcohol administration. METHODS Healthy older (55-70) and younger (25-35) adults completed two driving scenarios (i.e., country and metropolis) both before and after consuming beverages targeted to reach peak BrACs of 0.00, 0.04, or 0.065%. Throughout the simulation, participants encountered relevant stimuli (e.g., pedestrians walking into the street) and irrelevant stimuli (e.g., pedestrians walking parallel). Peak deceleration, range of steering, and distance until brake application were assessed within a 450-ft window preceding each stimulus. RESULTS Following low-dose alcohol consumption, older adults shifted from a strategy using both deceleration and steering to relying solely on deceleration in responding to relevant stimuli in the country. Older adults under both low and moderate alcohol conditions displayed an inability to withhold responses to irrelevant stimuli in the metropolis. CONCLUSION These findings are consistent with our prior work showing differential effects of low-dose alcohol on older, relative to younger, adults. The interactive effects of age and alcohol, however, depend on stimulus type and environmental complexity. Continued investigation of neurobehavioral mechanisms in ecologically valid paradigms is necessary for understanding the implications of the combined impairing effects of alcohol and older age.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rezaee-Zavareh MS, Salamati P, Ramezani-Binabaj M, Saeidnejad M, Rousta M, Shokraneh F, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Alcohol consumption for simulated driving performance: A systematic review. Chin J Traumatol 2017; 20:166-172. [PMID: 28502603 PMCID: PMC5473736 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Alcohol consumption can lead to risky driving and increase the frequency of traffic accidents, injuries and mortalities. The main purpose of our study was to compare simulated driving performance between two groups of drivers, one consumed alcohol and the other not consumed, using a systematic review. METHODS In this systematic review, electronic resources and databases including Medline via Ovid SP, EMBASE via Ovid SP, PsycINFO via Ovid SP, PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL) via EBSCOhost were comprehensively and systematically searched. The randomized controlled clinical trials that compared simulated driving performance between two groups of drivers, one consumed alcohol and the other not consumed, were included. Lane position standard deviation (LPSD), mean of lane position deviation (MLPD), speed, mean of speed deviation (MSD), standard deviation of speed deviation (SDSD), number of accidents (NA) and line crossing (LC) were considered as the main parameters evaluating outcomes. After title and abstract screening, the articles were enrolled for data extraction and they were evaluated for risk of biases. RESULTS Thirteen papers were included in our qualitative synthesis. All included papers were classified as high risk of biases. Alcohol consumption mostly deteriorated the following performance outcomes in descending order: SDSD, LPSD, speed, MLPD, LC and NA. Our systematic review had troublesome heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Alcohol consumption may decrease simulated driving performance in alcohol consumed people compared with non-alcohol consumed people via changes in SDSD, LPSD, speed, MLPD, LC and NA. More well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Payman Salamati
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Mina Saeidnejad
- Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Rousta
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhad Shokraneh
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Iranian Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Irwin C, Iudakhina E, Desbrow B, McCartney D. Effects of acute alcohol consumption on measures of simulated driving: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2017; 102:248-266. [PMID: 28343124 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Driving simulators are used in a wide range of research settings to help develop an understanding of driver behavior in complex environments. Acute alcohol impairment is an important research topic for traffic safety and a large number of studies have indicated levels of simulated driving impairment imposed by alcohol across a range of performance outcome variables. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of acute alcohol consumption on simulated driving performance by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence. The online databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science (via Thomas Reuters) and Scopus were searched to identify studies that measured simulated car driving performance under control ('no alcohol' or 'placebo alcohol' ingestion) and intervention (acute alcohol ingestion) conditions, using repeated-measures experimental designs. Primary research outcomes were standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) and standard deviation of speed (SDSP); (total number of lane crossings (LC) and average speed (Speed) were secondary research outcomes). Meta-analytic procedures were used to quantify the effect of acute alcohol consumption on vehicle control, and to determine the influence of methodological variables (i.e. the duration of the simulated driving task, the limb of the BAC curve (ascending vs. descending) and the type of driving simulator employed (i.e. car vs. PC-based)) on the magnitude of the performance change due to alcohol consumption. 423 records were screened, and 50 repeated-measures trials (n=962 participants, 62% male) derived from 17 original publications were reviewed. 37 trials (n=721 participants) used a 'placebo alcohol' comparator to determine the effect of alcohol consumption on SDLP (32/37) and SDSP (22/37). Alcohol consumption significantly increased SDLP by 4.0±0.5cm (95% CI: 3.0, 5.1) and SDSP by 0.38±0.10km⋅h-1 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.57). Regression analyses indicate BAC (p=0.004) and driving simulator platform (p<0.001) influence the magnitude of the SDLP change, such that higher BAC levels and the use of PC-based driving simulators were associated with larger performance decrements (R2=0.80). The limb of the BAC curve and the duration of the driving task did not significantly alter the magnitude of the performance change. Eleven trials (n=205 participants) used a 'no alcohol' comparator to measure the effect of alcohol consumption on SDLP (10/11); few trials assessed SDSP (3/11). Alcohol consumption resulted in a small significant increase in SDLP under these conditions (standardized difference in means=0.23, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.39). These results demonstrate that lateral (SDLP and LC) and longitudinal (SDSP) vehicle control measures in a driving simulator are impaired with acute alcohol consumption. However, SDLP appears to be a more sensitive indicator of driving impairment than other driving performance variables and the results of the present study support its use as a performance outcome when examining alcohol-induced simulated driving impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Irwin
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Elizaveta Iudakhina
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Ben Desbrow
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Danielle McCartney
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland and School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
McCartney D, Desbrow B, Irwin C. Using alcohol intoxication goggles (Fatal Vision® goggles) to detect alcohol related impairment in simulated driving. TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION 2017; 18:19-27. [PMID: 27260944 DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2016.1190015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fatal vision goggles (FVGs) are image-distorting equipment used within driver education programs to simulate alcohol-related impairment. However, there is no empirical evidence comparing the behavioral effects associated with wearing FVGs to alcohol intoxication. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of FVGs in producing alcohol-related impairment in simulated driving. METHODS Twenty-two healthy males (age: 23 ± 3 years, mean ± SD) participated in a placebo-controlled crossover design study involving 4 experimental trials. In each trial, participants completed a baseline level simulated driving task followed by an experimental driving task, involving one of 4 treatments: (1) a dose of alcohol designed to elicit 0.080% breath alcohol concentration (BrAC; AB), (2) an alcohol placebo beverage (PB), (3) FVG (estimated % blood alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.070-0.100+), and (4) placebo goggles (PGs). The driving tasks included 3 separate scenarios lasting ∼5 min each; these were a simple driving scenario, a complex driving scenario, and a hazard perception driving scenario. Selected lateral control parameters (standard deviation of lane position [SDLP]; total number of lane crossings [LCs]) and longitudinal control parameters (average speed; standard deviation of speed [SDSP]; distance headway; minimum distance headway) were monitored during the simple and complex driving scenarios. Latency to 2 different stimuli (choice reaction time [CRT]) was tested in the hazard perception driving scenario. Subjective ratings of mood and attitudes toward driving were also provided during each of the trials. RESULTS Neither placebo treatment influenced simulated driving performance. Mean BrAC was 0.060 ± 0.010% at the time of driving on the AB trial. Lateral control: In the simple driving scenario, SDLP and LC were not affected under any of the experimental treatments. However, in the complex driving scenario, significantly greater SDLP was observed on both the FVG and AB trials compared to their respective baseline drives. LC increased significantly from baseline on the AB trial only. Longitudinal control: Speed was not affected by any of the experimental treatments; however, SDSP increased significantly from baseline on the FVG trial. A significant reduction in distance headway and minimum distance headway was detected on the FVG trial compared to baseline. Hazard perception: Neither AB nor FVG trials were influential on CRT. Subjective mood ratings were significantly altered on the AB and FVG trials compared to baseline and placebo conditions. Participants reported reduced willingness and ability to drive under the active treatments (AB and FVG) than the placebo treatments (PB and PG). CONCLUSIONS FVGs may have some utility in replicating alcohol-related impairment on specific driving performance measurements. Hence, the equipment may offer an alternative approach to researching the impact of alcohol intoxication on simulated driving performance among populations where the provision of alcohol would otherwise be unethical (e.g., prelicensed drivers).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCartney
- a Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
- b School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
| | - Ben Desbrow
- a Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
- b School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
| | - Christopher Irwin
- a Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
- b School of Allied Health Sciences, Griffith University , Southport , Queensland , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lewis B, Boissoneault J, Frazier I, Nixon SJ. Effects of Age and Acute Moderate Alcohol Administration on Neurophysiology During Simulated Driving. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:2519-2527. [PMID: 27739091 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Driver age and blood alcohol concentration are both important factors in predicting driving risk; however, little is known regarding the joint import of these factors on neural activity following socially relevant alcohol doses. We examined age and alcohol effects on brain oscillations during simulated driving, focusing on 2 region-specific frequency bands implicated in task performance and attention: parietal alpha power (PAP; 8 to 12 Hz) and frontal theta power (FTP; 4 to 7 Hz). METHODS Participants included 80 younger (aged 25 to 35 years) and 40 older (aged 55 to 70 years) community-dwelling, moderate drinkers. Participants consumed placebo, low, or moderate doses of alcohol designed to achieve target peak breath alcohol concentrations of 0, 0.04, or 0.065 g/dl, respectively. Electrophysiological measures were recorded during engagement in a simulated driving task involving 4 scenarios of varied environmental complexity. RESULTS A main effect of age was detected in FTP, but neither an alcohol effect nor interactions were observed. For PAP, an age-by-alcohol interaction was detected. Relative to placebo controls, older and younger participants receiving low-dose (0.04 g/dl) alcohol evinced divergent PAP alterations, with a pattern of higher power among older participants and lower power among younger participants. This interaction was noted across the varied environmental contexts. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that compared with younger individuals, older drivers may be differentially susceptible to alcohol effects. While these age-by-alcohol interactions in neural activity are provocative, further investigation exploring the mechanisms and behavioral correlates of these effects will be crucial in determining their behavioral impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jeff Boissoneault
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Center for Pain Research and Behavioral Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ian Frazier
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Malek-Ahmadi M. Age-Associated Alcohol and Driver Risk Differences in Older Adult DUI Offenders. J Appl Gerontol 2016; 36:499-507. [PMID: 26719487 DOI: 10.1177/0733464815624152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to characterize age-group differences on the Driver Risk Inventory-II (DRI-II) in a group of driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. METHOD Data from 11,066 DUI cases from the state of Nebraska were used. The sample was grouped by age (18-20, 21-39, 40-59, and 60-84) and compared on the subscales of the DRI-II. RESULTS Older adult DUI finders accounted for 2.90% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.60, 3.23]) of all DUI cases. Older adult DUI offenders not only demonstrated significantly greater Alcohol Risk scores than younger age groups but also had significantly lower Driver Risk scores than younger age groups. IMPLICATIONS The results of this study demonstrate age-related differences in alcohol and driving risk among DUI offenders. This study provides a starting point from which investigators and clinicians can further address the issue of alcohol use and driving in older adults.
Collapse
|
19
|
Jongen S, Vuurman EFPM, Ramaekers JG, Vermeeren A. The sensitivity of laboratory tests assessing driving related skills to dose-related impairment of alcohol: A literature review. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2016; 89:31-48. [PMID: 26802474 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory tests assessing driving related skills can be useful as initial screening tools to assess potential drug induced impairment as part of a standardized behavioural assessment. Unfortunately, consensus about which laboratory tests should be included to reliably assess drug induced impairment has not yet been reached. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the sensitivity of laboratory tests to the dose dependent effects of alcohol, as a benchmark, on performance parameters. In total, 179 experimental studies were included. Results show that a cued go/no-go task and a divided attention test with primary tracking and secondary visual search were consistently sensitive to the impairing effects at medium and high blood alcohol concentrations. Driving performance assessed in a simulator was less sensitive to the effects of alcohol as compared to naturalistic, on-the-road driving. In conclusion, replicating results of several potentially useful tests and their predictive validity of actual driving impairment should deserve further research. In addition, driving simulators should be validated and compared head to head to naturalistic driving in order to increase construct validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Jongen
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
| | - E F P M Vuurman
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
| | - J G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
| | - A Vermeeren
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Acute Behavioral and Long-Term Health Effects of Moderate Alcohol Use in Older Adults. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-016-0087-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
21
|
Matas NA, Nettelbeck T, Burns NR. Dropout during a driving simulator study: A survival analysis. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2015; 55:159-169. [PMID: 26683559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Simulator sickness is the occurrence of motion-sickness like symptoms that can occur during use of simulators and virtual reality technologies. This study investigated individual factors that contributed to simulator sickness and dropout while using a desktop driving simulator. METHOD Eighty-eight older adult drivers (mean age 72.82±5.42years) attempted a practice drive and two test drives. Participants also completed a battery of cognitive and visual assessments, provided information on their health and driving habits, and reported their experience of simulator sickness symptoms throughout the study. RESULTS Fifty-two participants dropped out before completing the driving tasks. A time-dependent Cox Proportional Hazards model showed that female gender (HR=2.02), prior motion sickness history (HR=2.22), and Mini-SSQ score (HR=1.55) were associated with dropout. There were no differences between dropouts and completers on any of the cognitive abilities tests. CONCLUSIONS Older adults are a high-risk group for simulator sickness. Within this group, female gender and prior motion sickness history are related to simulator dropout. Higher reported experience of symptoms of simulator sickness increased rates of dropout. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results highlight the importance of screening and monitoring of participants in driving simulation studies. Older adults, females, and those with a prior history of motion sickness may be especially at risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Matas
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
| | - Ted Nettelbeck
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Nicholas R Burns
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hoffman LA, Nixon SJ. Alcohol Doesn't Always Compromise Cognitive Function: Exploring Moderate Doses in Young Adults. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2015; 76:952-6. [PMID: 26562604 PMCID: PMC4712664 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2015.76.952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to clarify inconsistent findings regarding the acute cognitive effects of subintoxicating alcohol doses (i.e., <80 mg/dl) by controlling for and evaluating variables that might modulate dose-related outcomes. METHOD The current study examined the effects of sex/gender and alcohol concentration on select cognitive functions in 94 individuals (49 men) between 25 and 35 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three dose conditions: target peak breath alcohol concentration of 0 mg/dl (placebo), 40 mg/dl (low), or 65 mg/dl (moderate). After beverage consumption, they completed tasks assessing psychomotor, set-shifting, and working memory ability. RESULTS Analyses revealed no significant effect of dose for any cognitive domain. A trend-level effect of dose on psychomotor performance was observed, with the low-dose group performing somewhat better than the moderate-dose and placebo groups. No sex main effects or interactions were revealed. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with our previous studies, these data suggest that low and moderate doses of alcohol may not compromise cognitive ability in non-problem drinkers under certain task conditions. Given the outcomes, sex differences cannot be meaningfully addressed. Future consideration of potentially influential variables and assessment of similarly well-defined cohorts might yield a clearer interpretation of alcohol's behavioral consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hoffman LA, Sklar AL, Nixon SJ. The effects of acute alcohol on psychomotor, set-shifting, and working memory performance in older men and women. Alcohol 2015; 49:185-91. [PMID: 25920000 PMCID: PMC4413013 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A limited number of publications have documented the effects of acute alcohol administration among older adults. Among these, only a few have investigated sex differences within this population. The current project examined the behavioral effects of acute low- and moderate-dose alcohol on 62 older (ages 55-70) male and female, healthy, light to moderate drinkers. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three dose conditions: placebo (peak breath alcohol concentration [BrAC] of 0 mg/dL), low (peak BrAC of 40 mg/dL), and moderate (peak BrAC of 65 mg/dL). Tasks assessed psychomotor, set-shifting, and working memory performance. Better set-shifting abilities were observed among women, whereas men demonstrated more efficient working memory, regardless of dose. The moderate-dose group did not significantly differ from the placebo group on any task. However, the low-dose group performed better than the moderate-dose group across measures of set shifting and working memory. Relative to the placebo group, the low-dose group exhibited better working memory, specifically for faces. Interestingly, there were no sex by dose interactions. These data suggest that, at least for our study's task demands, low and moderate doses of alcohol do not significantly hinder psychomotor, set-shifting, or working memory performance among older adults. In fact, low-dose alcohol may facilitate certain cognitive abilities. Furthermore, although sex differences in cognitive abilities were observed, these alcohol doses did not differentially affect men and women. Further investigation is necessary to better characterize the effects of sex and alcohol dose on cognition in older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Hoffman
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610-0256, USA.
| | - Alfredo L Sklar
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610-0256, USA
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- University of Florida, Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 100256, Gainesville, FL 32610-0256, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Squeglia LM, Boissoneault J, Van Skike CE, Nixon SJ, Matthews DB. Age-related effects of alcohol from adolescent, adult, and aged populations using human and animal models. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:2509-16. [PMID: 25156779 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review incorporates current research examining alcohol's differential effects on adolescents, adults, and aged populations in both animal and clinical models. METHODS The studies presented range from cognitive, behavioral, molecular, and neuroimaging techniques, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of how acute and chronic alcohol use affects the brain throughout the life span. RESULTS Age of life is a significant factor in determining the effect of alcohol on brain functioning. Adolescents and aged populations may be more negatively affected by heavy alcohol use when compared to adults. CONCLUSIONS Investigations limiting alcohol effects to a single age group constrains understanding of differential trajectories and outcomes following acute and chronic use. To meaningfully address the sequencing and interaction effects of alcohol and age, the field must incorporate collaborative and integrated research efforts focused on interdisciplinary questions facilitated by engaging basic and applied scientists with expertise in a range of disciplines including alcohol, neurodevelopment, and aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Squeglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|