ASSESSMENT OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM IN YOUNG ADULTS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND CLINICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Chronic alcoholism remains one of the most significant medical and social problems of modern society. According to WHO data, more than 280 million people worldwide suffer from alcohol dependence, with a persistent trend toward younger patients. Ethanol exposure during active neuronal maturation leads to early cognitive deficits, reduced adaptive potential, and increased comorbid mental pathology. The aim of this study was to assess cognitive functions in young and middle-aged adults with chronic alcoholism. Materials and Methods. The study included 151 patients diagnosed with chronic alcoholism (F10.1, F10.2, F10.3 according to ICD-10), divided into two groups: young adults (18–44 years) and middle-aged adults (45–59 years). Cognitive functions were assessed using the MoCA and MMSE scales, and affective state was evaluated with HDRS and HARS.. Results. At the time of the initial examination, all patients demonstrated moderate cognitive impairments. Conclusion. Cognitive impairments in chronic alcoholism develop at early stages of the disease. In young adults, they are primarily functional and partially reversible. In middle-aged adults, organic changes predominate, associated with structural brain damage. The use of MoCA and MMSE scales is recommended for regular cognitive monitoring and evaluation of treatment efficacy.