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Kruithof PJ, McGovern W, Haighton C. "I Genuinely Believe This Is the Most Stigmatised Group within the Social Care Sector"-Health and Social Care Professionals' Experiences of Working with People with Alcohol-Related Brain Damage: A Qualitative Interview Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 21:10. [PMID: 38276798 PMCID: PMC10815022 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Appropriate diagnosis, treatment and care contribute to better service engagement, improvements to wellbeing, cost savings and reductions in morbidity and mortality for people with alcohol-related brain damage. In Northeast England, large amounts of alcohol are consumed; this is reflected in the number of alcohol-related deaths in the region. However, the pathway for people with alcohol-related brain damage to receive diagnosis, treatment and care is unknown and could be unwittingly influenced by stigma. Qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were completed with 25 health and social care professionals from organizations involved with people with alcohol-related brain damage recruited via snowball sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed. People with alcohol-related brain damage were found to be stigmatised by both society and professionals, inhibiting their entry into services. Therefore, alcohol-related brain damage remains underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. There was found to be no dedicated service; silos with revolving doors and underfunded generic care with long waiting lists typically exclude those with alcohol-related or neurological problems. Reducing stigmatising processes associated with alcohol-related brain damage could counteract professionals' reluctance to provide care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine Haighton
- Department of Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, UK; (P.J.K.); (W.M.)
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Jones L, Owens L, Thompson A, Gilmore I, Richardson P. Informing the development of diagnostic criteria for differential diagnosis of alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) among heavy drinkers: A systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280749. [PMID: 36753517 PMCID: PMC9907814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection and diagnosis of alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) among heavy drinkers is crucial to facilitating appropriate referral and treatment. However, there is lack of consensus in defining diagnostic criteria for ARCI. Uncertainty in attributing a diagnosis of suspected ARCI commonly arises in clinical practice and opportunities to intervene are missed. A systematic scoping review approach was taken to (i) summarise evidence relating to screening or diagnostic criteria used in clinical studies to detect ARCI; and (ii) to determine the extent of the research available about cognitive assessment tools used in 'point-of-care' screening or assessment of patients with suspected non-Korsakoff Syndrome forms of ARCI. METHODS We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Cinahl and the Web of Science, screened reference lists and carried out forward and backwards citation searching to identify clinical studies about screening, diagnosis or assessment of patients with suspected ARCI. RESULTS In total, only 7 studies met our primary objective and reported on modifications to existing definitions or diagnostic criteria for ARCI. These studies revealed a lack of coordinated research and progress towards the development and standardisation of diagnostic criteria for ARCI. Cognitive screening tools are commonly used in practice to support a diagnosis of ARCI, and as a secondary objective we included an additional 12 studies, which covered a range of settings and patient populations relevant to screening, diagnosis or assessment in acute, secondary or community 'point-of-care' settings. Across two studies with a defined ARCI patient sample and a further four studies with an alcohol use disorder patient sample, the accuracy, validity and/or reliability of seven different cognitive assessment tools were examined. The remaining seven studies reported descriptive findings, demonstrating the lack of evidence available to draw conclusions about which tools are most appropriate for screening patients with suspected ARCI. CONCLUSION This review confirms the scarcity of evidence available on the screening, diagnosis or assessment of patients with suspected ARCI. The lack of evidence is an important barrier to the development of clear guidelines for diagnosing ARCI, which would ultimately improve the real-world management and treatment of patients with ARCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jones
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Public Health Institute, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Lynn Owens
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Gilmore
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Richardson
- Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Ward R, Roderique-Davies G, Hughes H, Heirene R, Newstead S, John B. Alcohol-related brain damage: A mixed-method evaluation of an online awareness-raising programme for frontline care and support practitioners. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:46-58. [PMID: 36097437 PMCID: PMC10087889 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is an umbrella term referring to the neurocognitive impairments caused by excessive and prolonged alcohol use and the associated nutritional deficiencies. This study evaluated the outcomes of an online research-informed training program for ARBD which aimed to improve client outcomes by promoting support staff's awareness and confidence in working with clients who may have (or who are at risk of developing) the condition. METHODS Staff working within a large non-governmental non-profit housing organisation (n = 883) enrolled in the training program. Questionnaires were used pre- and post-training to collect self-reported awareness of ARBD and confidence in supporting individuals with the condition. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 staff members approximately 10 weeks post-completion of the program. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by employing qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Findings from the questionnaires indicated a significant increase in all measures after completing the training program. Three main themes were developed based on the interview data: changes to awareness and understanding; professional practice; and training-specific characteristics. Participants reported changes in their ability to identify potential service users with ARBD and confidence in doing so. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that online training programs can be effective in improving support staff's ability to identify ARBD, potentially leading an increase in signposting service users to relevant services. The research-informed nature of the training demonstrates that translating research findings directly to frontline workers can have a substantial impact and may improve outcomes for this client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ward
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.,Department of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Harriet Hughes
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Robert Heirene
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.,College of Health and Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Simon Newstead
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
| | - Bev John
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK
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Age differences in brain structural and metabolic responses to binge ethanol exposure in fisher 344 rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:368-379. [PMID: 32580206 PMCID: PMC7852871 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An overarching goal of our research has been to develop a valid animal model of alcoholism with similar imaging phenotypes as those observed in humans with the ultimate objective of assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological agents. In contrast to our findings in humans with alcohol use disorders (AUD), our animal model experiments have not demonstrated enduring brain pathology despite chronic, high ethanol (EtOH) exposure protocols. Relative to healthy controls, older individuals with AUD demonstrate accelerating brain tissue loss with advanced age. Thus, this longitudinally controlled study was conducted in 4-month old (equivalent to ~16-year-old humans) and 17-month old (equivalent to ~45-year-old humans) male and female Fisher 344 rats to test the hypothesis that following equivalent alcohol exposure protocols, older relative to younger animals would exhibit more brain changes as evaluated using in vivo structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS). At baseline, total brain volume as well as the volumes of each of the three constituent tissue types (i.e., cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), gray matter, white matter) were greater in old relative to young rats. Baseline metabolite levels (except for glutathione) were higher in older than younger animals. Effects of binge EtOH exposure on brain volumes and neurometabolites replicated our previous findings in Wistar rats and included ventricular enlargement and reduced MRS-derived creatine levels. Brain changes in response to binge EtOH treatment were more pronounced in young relative to older animals, negating our hypothesis. Higher baseline glutathione levels in female than male rats suggest that female rats are perhaps protected against the more pronounced changes in CSF and gray matter volumes observed in male rats due to superior metabolic homeostasis mechanisms. Additional metabolite changes including low inositol levels in response to high blood alcohol levels support a mechanism of reversible osmolarity disturbances due to temporarily altered brain energy metabolism.
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Abstract
Wernicke encephalopathy is an acute neurological problem resulting from thiamine deficiency and manifesting with mental confusion, oculomotor dysfunction, and ataxia. It is associated with alcohol dependence in adults. Preparatory factors include hyperemesis gravidarum, prolonged diarrhea, prolonged parental nutrition without vitamin support, absorption disorders, anorexia, cancer, and chemotherapy. Failure to consider the clinical findings and preparatory factors of this disease, which is rare in children, can delay diagnosis. This report describes a case of Wernicke encephalopathy developing in a patient with brid ileus and receiving total parenteral nutrition after partial ileal bypass surgery. The patient's clinical and cranial magnetic resonance findings were compatible with Wernicke encephalopathy. Although these are not widespread, typical ocular findings for Wernicke encephalopathy were present. Dramatic improvements were observed in clinical, ocular, and cranial magnetic resonance findings after treatment.
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Sullivan EV, Zahr NM, Sassoon SA, Thompson WK, Kwon D, Pohl KM, Pfefferbaum A. The Role of Aging, Drug Dependence, and Hepatitis C Comorbidity in Alcoholism Cortical Compromise. JAMA Psychiatry 2018; 75:474-483. [PMID: 29541774 PMCID: PMC5875381 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Importance The prevalence of alcohol misuse increased substantially over a decade in adults, particularly in those aged 65 years or older. Ramifications for brain structural integrity are significant, especially in older adults. Objectives To combine cross-sectional, longitudinal data to test age-alcoholism interactions and examine the association between prevalent comorbidities (drug dependence and hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection) and cortical volume deficits in alcohol dependence. Design, Setting, and Participants During 14 years, 826 structural magnetic resonance images were acquired in 222 individuals with alcohol dependence and 199 age-matched control participants (aged 25-75 years at initial study), parcellated with a common atlas, and adjusted for brain volume. Longitudinal data were available on 116 participants with alcoholism and 96 control participants. DSM-IV criteria determined alcohol and drug diagnoses; serology testing determined HCV status. The study was conducted at SRI International and Stanford University School of Medicine from April 11, 2003, to March 3, 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Magnetic resonance imaging-derived regional cortical volumes corrected for supratentorial volume and sex. Results Of the 222 participants with alcoholism, 156 (70.3%) were men; mean (SD) age was 48.0 (10.0) years; the mean age for the 199 control participants was 47.6 (14.0) years. Participants with alcohol dependence had volume deficits in frontal (t = -5.732, P < .001), temporal (t = -3.151, P = .002), parietal (t = -5.063, P < .001), cingulate (t = -3.170, P = .002), and insular (t = -4.920, P < .001) cortices; deficits were prominent in frontal subregions and were not sex dependent. Accelerated aging occurred in frontal cortex (t = -3.019, P < .02) and precentral (t = -2.691, P < .05) and superior gyri (t = -2.763, P < .05) and could not be attributed to the amount of alcohol consumed, which was greater in younger-onset than older-onset participants with alcoholism (t = 6.1191, P < .001). Given the high drug-dependence incidence (54.5%) in the alcoholism group, analysis examined drug subgroups (cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, opiates) compared with drug-dependence-free alcoholism and control groups. Although the alcohol plus cocaine (t = -2.310, P = .04) and alcohol plus opiate (t = -2.424, P = .04) groups had smaller frontal volumes than the drug-dependence-free alcoholism group, deficits in precentral (t = -2.575, P = .01), supplementary motor (t = -2.532, P = .01), and medial (t = -2.800, P = .01) volumes endured in drug-dependence-free participants with alcoholism compared with control participants. Those with HCV infection had greater deficits than those without HCV infection in frontal (t = 3.468, P = .01), precentral (t = 2.513, P = .03), superior (t = 2.533, P = .03), and orbital (t = 2.506, P = .03) volumes, yet total frontal (t = 2.660, P = .02), insular (t = 3.526, P = .003), parietal (t = 2.414, P = .03), temporal (t = 3.221, P = .005), and precentral (t = 3.180, P = .01) volume deficits persisted in the uninfected participants with alcoholism compared with control participants with known HCV status. Conclusions and Relevance Drug dependence and HCV infection compounded deleterious effects of alcohol dependence on frontal cortical volumes but could not account for the frontally distributed volume deficits in the drug-free participants with alcoholism. We speculate that age-alcohol interactions notable in frontal cortex put older adults at heightened risk for age-associated neurocompromise even if alcohol misuse is initiated later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith V. Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Natalie M. Zahr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
| | | | - Wesley K. Thompson
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego
| | - Dongjin Kwon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
| | - Kilian M. Pohl
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
| | - Adolf Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, California
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7
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Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Erwachsene in der Schweiz trinken durchschnittlich zwei Gläser Wein pro Tag. Alkoholmissbrauch und kognitive Störungen sind eng verknüpft, vor allem bei älteren Personen. Die klinische Untersuchung muss nach Anzeichen von Unterernährung suchen und eine neuropsychologische Untersuchung einschliessen, wenn der Mini-Mental-Status pathologisch ist. Bei Anzeichen einer Gayet-Wernicke-Krankheit muss eine intravenöse B1-Vitamin-Therapie zur prophylaktischen oder therapeutischen Behandlung eingeleitet werden. Kognitive Beeinträchtigung ist eine schlechte Prognose für die Behandlung von Alkoholabhängigkeit, sollte aber nicht dazu führen, die Behandlungsbemühungen aufzugeben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Bernard Daeppen
- 1 Service d'alcoologie, Département universitaire de médecine et santé communautaires, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne
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Hayes V, Demirkol A, Ridley N, Withall A, Draper B. Alcohol-related cognitive impairment: current trends and future perspectives. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2016; 6:509-523. [DOI: 10.2217/nmt-2016-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol use is associated with a wide range of physical, psychological and social consequences, and is responsible for a significant proportion of the burden of disease globally. An area which has received increasing interest is alcohol-related brain damage, not just because of the cost to the individual and society through resource utilization, but also because of the potential for prevention and reversibility. This paper aims to review the current literature on this subject and seeks to explore issues around diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-related brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Hayes
- Drug & Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Apo Demirkol
- Drug & Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Ridley
- Drug & Alcohol Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrienne Withall
- School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- School of Psychiatry, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Academic Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
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Park SW, Yi YY, Han JW, Kim HD, Lee JS, Kang HC. Wernicke's encephalopathy in a child with high dose thiamine therapy. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2014; 57:496-9. [PMID: 25550705 PMCID: PMC4279011 DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2014.57.11.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wernicke's encephalopathy is an acute neurological disorder characterized by mental confusion, oculomotor dysfunction, and ataxia. It has been reported in individuals with alcohol dependence, hyperemesis gravidarum, and prolonged parenteral nutrition without vitamin supplementation. Here we present the case of a 13-year-old male patient with neuroblastoma and a history of poor oral intake and nausea for 3 months. After admission, he showed gait disturbances, nystagmus, and excessive dizziness; his mental state, however, indicated he was alert, which did not fit the classical triad of Wernicke's encephalopathy. A diagnosis of Wernicke's encephalopathy was made only after brain magnetic resonance imaging and serum thiamine level analyses were performed. The patient's symptoms remained after 5 days of treatment with 100-mg thiamine once daily; thus, we increased the dosage to 500 mg 3 times daily, 1,500 mg per day. His symptoms then improved after 20 days of replacement therapy. This case report describes a pediatric patient who was promptly diagnosed with Wernicke's encephalopathy, despite only 2 suspicious symptoms, and who completely recovered after high doses of thiamine were given intravenously.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Won Park
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon Young Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Han
- Division of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Soo Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon-Chul Kang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic, Severance Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Place C. Alcohol related brain damage – a case of neglect? ADVANCES IN DUAL DIAGNOSIS 2014. [DOI: 10.1108/add-02-2014-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to argue that alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is a neglected problem. ARBD is a term that has begun to be used over the past decade to describe prolonged cognitive impairment caused by alcohol use, including Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff syndrome, alcohol dementia and alcohol-related brain injury.
Design/methodology/approach
– The paper provides an overview of ARBD describing the research around its prevalence and prognosis. There is a consensus in the literature that there is little research and a lack of awareness of this condition. The author uses case studies from his own experience working with people with ARBD to describe the difficulties in accessing appropriate assessment and care for this group, and suggests that they are often excluded in a way that is familiar from the experience of the person with “dual diagnosis”.
Findings
– Recommendations are made including raising awareness, improving screening for cognitive impairment and developing specialist services.
Originality/value
– ARBD appears to have been neglected in the “dual diagnosis” world and this paper attempts to address this, and so should be of interest to a wide range of professionals working with substance use, mental health, homelessness and social work.
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Erdozain AM, Morentin B, Bedford L, King E, Tooth D, Brewer C, Wayne D, Johnson L, Gerdes HK, Wigmore P, Callado LF, Carter WG. Alcohol-related brain damage in humans. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93586. [PMID: 24699688 PMCID: PMC3974765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic excessive alcohol intoxications evoke cumulative damage to tissues and organs. We examined prefrontal cortex (Brodmann’s area (BA) 9) from 20 human alcoholics and 20 age, gender, and postmortem delay matched control subjects. H & E staining and light microscopy of prefrontal cortex tissue revealed a reduction in the levels of cytoskeleton surrounding the nuclei of cortical and subcortical neurons, and a disruption of subcortical neuron patterning in alcoholic subjects. BA 9 tissue homogenisation and one dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) proteomics of cytosolic proteins identified dramatic reductions in the protein levels of spectrin β II, and α- and β-tubulins in alcoholics, and these were validated and quantitated by Western blotting. We detected a significant increase in α-tubulin acetylation in alcoholics, a non-significant increase in isoaspartate protein damage, but a significant increase in protein isoaspartyl methyltransferase protein levels, the enzyme that triggers isoaspartate damage repair in vivo. There was also a significant reduction in proteasome activity in alcoholics. One dimensional PAGE of membrane-enriched fractions detected a reduction in β-spectrin protein levels, and a significant increase in transmembranous α3 (catalytic) subunit of the Na+,K+-ATPase in alcoholic subjects. However, control subjects retained stable oligomeric forms of α-subunit that were diminished in alcoholics. In alcoholics, significant loss of cytosolic α- and β-tubulins were also seen in caudate nucleus, hippocampus and cerebellum, but to different levels, indicative of brain regional susceptibility to alcohol-related damage. Collectively, these protein changes provide a molecular basis for some of the neuronal and behavioural abnormalities attributed to alcoholics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaia M. Erdozain
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Spain
| | - Benito Morentin
- Section of Forensic Pathology, Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Lynn Bedford
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emma King
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Tooth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Brewer
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Declan Wayne
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Johnson
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Henry K. Gerdes
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Wigmore
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Spain
| | - Wayne G. Carter
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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12
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Brighton R, Traynor V, Moxham L, Curtis J. The needs of people with alcohol-related brain injury (ARBI): a review of the international literature. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL TODAY 2013. [DOI: 10.1108/dat-12-2012-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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MacPhail A, McDonough M, Ibrahim JE. Delayed discharge in alcohol-related dementia: consequences and possibilities for improvement. AUST HEALTH REV 2013; 37:482-7. [PMID: 23849991 DOI: 10.1071/ah13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with alcohol-related dementia (ARD) are over-represented among 'difficult to discharge' patients. ARD is associated with prolonged hospital stay and high rates of discharge at own risk. Risk factors for delayed discharge in patients with ARD include: a lack of appropriate medical and social support; multiple and complex needs; psychiatric symptoms; challenging behaviours; and an unmet need for appropriate residential care. Integration into present services is problematic and aged care is not an acceptable option for these patients. The present paper identifies three key possibilities to reduce the burden of prolonged hospitalisation of patients with ARD. These are: improved availability of specialised, multidisciplinary care pathways for patients with ARD, many of which could be developed out of existing services; the development of flexible supported-accommodation options, including harm minimisation, for the subset of patients who are not able to live independently; and improved practice in the emergency department (ED) to ensure timely administration of parenteral thiamine to all patients at risk of developing ARD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleece MacPhail
- Ballarat Health Services, 102 Ascot Street South, Ballarat, Vic. 3350, Australia
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Moon Y, Kwon Y, Yu S. How does ethanol induce apoptotic cell death of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. Neural Regen Res 2013; 8:1853-62. [PMID: 25206494 PMCID: PMC4145973 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.20.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A body of evidence suggests that ethanol can lead to damage of neuronal cells. However, the mechanism underlying the ethanol-induced damage of neuronal cells remains unclear. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in ethanol-induced damage was investigated in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell viability assay, DNA fragmentation detection, and flow cytometric analysis showed that ethanol induced apoptotic cell death and cell cycle arrest, characterized by increased caspase-3 activity, DNA fragmentation, nuclear disruption, and G1 arrest of cell cycle of the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. In addition, western blot analysis indicated that ethanol induced a lasting increase in c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase activity and a transient increase in p38 kinase activity of the neuroblastoma cells. c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase or p38 kinase inhibitors significantly reduced the ethanol-induced cell death. Ethanol also increased p53 phosphorylation, followed by an increase in p21 tumor suppressor protein and a decrease in phospho-Rb (retinoblastoma) protein, leading to alterations in the expressions and activity of cyclin dependent protein kinases. Our results suggest that ethanol mediates apoptosis of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells by activating p53-related cell cycle arrest possibly through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase-related cell death pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Moon
- Department of Public Health Administration, Namseoul University, Chunan, Seoul 331-707, Korea
| | - Yongil Kwon
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul 134-701, Korea
| | - Shun Yu
- Department of Neurobiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
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Thomson AD, Marshall EJ, Bell D. Time to Act on the Inadequate Management of Wernicke's Encephalopathy in the UK. Alcohol Alcohol 2012; 48:4-8. [DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/ags111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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16
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Lingford-Hughes AR, Welch S, Peters L, Nutt DJ. BAP updated guidelines: evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of substance abuse, harmful use, addiction and comorbidity: recommendations from BAP. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:899-952. [PMID: 22628390 DOI: 10.1177/0269881112444324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines for the treatment of substance abuse, harmful use, addiction and comorbidity with psychiatric disorders primarily focus on their pharmacological management. They are based explicitly on the available evidence and presented as recommendations to aid clinical decision making for practitioners alongside a detailed review of the evidence. A consensus meeting, involving experts in the treatment of these disorders, reviewed key areas and considered the strength of the evidence and clinical implications. The guidelines were drawn up after feedback from participants. The guidelines primarily cover the pharmacological management of withdrawal, short- and long-term substitution, maintenance of abstinence and prevention of complications, where appropriate, for substance abuse or harmful use or addiction as well management in pregnancy, comorbidity with psychiatric disorders and in younger and older people.
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Thomson AD, Guerrini I, Marshall EJ. The evolution and treatment of Korsakoff's syndrome: out of sight, out of mind? Neuropsychol Rev 2012; 22:81-92. [PMID: 22569770 PMCID: PMC3545191 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-012-9196-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wernicke's Encephalopathy is an acute neuro-psychiatric condition caused by an insufficient supply of thiamine (Vitamin B1) to the brain. If undiagnosed or inadequately treated, it is likely to proceed to Korsakoff's Syndrome. Wernicke's Encephalopathy can result from dietary deficiency alone and this form is usually successfully treated, with little chance of Korsakoff's Syndrome supervening. On the other hand, thiamine deficiency associated with alcohol misuse/dependence may require up to 1 gram of thiamine IV in the first 24 hours to be treated successfully. The reasons for this difference in treatment will be discussed. Thiamine diphosphate acts as a co-factor for a number of thiamine-dependent enzymes. Thiamine deficiency leads to a reduction in the activity of these enzymes, and this leads to alterations in mitochondrial activity, impairment of oxidative metabolism, decreased energy status and eventually selective neuronal death. The damage caused by the combination of thiamine deficiency and alcohol metabolism probably interferes with adequate thiamine transport at a number of sites in the body, including the blood-brain barrier, as well as causing damage to the apoenzymes which then require higher concentrations of thiamine to work normally. The accumulated damage is likely to render the use of oral thiamine therapeutically inadequate since the body is unable to produce high enough concentrations of thiamine in the blood to traverse the blood-brain barrier. Some individuals are probably genetically predisposed to develop Wernicke's. Long before individuals with alcohol misuse or dependence develop Wernicke's Encephalopathy the neurons and other cells of the body are functioning sub-optimally because of the inadequate supply of thiamine and the neurotoxic effect of alcohol. This relative deficiency initiates a series of pathological changes which accumulate and further interfere with the supply of thiamine and its utilisation at a time when the requirements are increased. The best treatment for Korsakoff's Syndrome is timely recognition of Wernicke's Encephalopathy and appropriate intervention and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. D. Thomson
- />Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Rockefeller Building, University College London, 21 University Street, London, UK
- />Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Irene Guerrini
- />Bexley Substance Misuse Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - E. Jane Marshall
- />Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK
- />South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ UK
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