Ethanol and Cognition: Indirect Effects, Neurotoxicity and Neuroprotection: A Review

Author: Brust John C.M.  

Publisher: MDPI

E-ISSN: 1660-4601|7|4|1540-1557

ISSN: 1660-4601

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol.7, Iss.4, 2010-04, pp. : 1540-1557

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Abstract

Ethanol affects cognition in a number of ways. Indirect effects include intoxication, withdrawal, brain trauma, central nervous system infection, hypoglycemia, hepatic failure, and Marchiafava-Bignami disease. Nutritional deficiency can cause pellagra and Wernicke-Korsakoff disorder. Additionally, ethanol is a direct neurotoxin and in sufficient dosage can cause lasting dementia. However, ethanol also has neuroprotectant properties and in low-to-moderate dosage reduces the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer type. In fetuses ethanol is teratogenic, and whether there exists a safe dose during pregnancy is uncertain and controversial.

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