Alteration of cognitive function in methamphetamine abusers
Sompornthip Sriyaem1, Doungjai Buntup1, Kannika Permpoonputtana2, Prapapun Chucharoen1, Piyarat Govitrapong3
1 Program in Addiction Studies, ASEAN Institute for Health Development
2 Occupational Therapy Program, Faculty of Physical Therapy
3 Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University,Thailand
Methamphetamine is a recreational drug used in worldwide. Long term abuse on methamphetamine can lead to imbalance of brain functions and reflect behavior changes, such as dementia. Early detection of cognitive impairment may reduce the progression to dementia. One hundred methamphetamine abusers were recruited in this study. The mean age of first drug use was 19.26 years old, the duration use was 7 years and the daily dose was 1-60 tablets. Cognitive function was determined by Montreal Cognitive Assessment Battery Screening. The result indicated that 90% of the subjects showed cognitive impairment. This study may lead to better understanding the mechanism of cognitive impairment in methamphetamine abusers. It may help to identify individuals for specific treatment in the future.
Acknowledgements: This study is supported by a Mahidol University Research Grant.