[Neuropsychological repercussions of chronic alcoholism]

Abstract

Although there is no evidence of general intellectual deterioration in chronic alcoholics, several specific deficits have been identified in them during neuropsychological tests used to evaluate their cognitive, mnemonic, visual-motor and spatial capacities. The neurological interpre-ation of this data allows one to suppose that diffuse cerebral damage exists, involving in particular the frontal lobes and their functional connections with the limbic and diencephalic structure. Although a substantial recuperation is effected during the 2 or 3 weeks following the termination of alcohol consumption, the restoration of the functions remains generally incomplete; thus the necessity for treatment programs adapted to the needs and capacities of this population and the elaboration of techniques aimed at the maximum recuperation of these deficits.