Ethanol and cognition: indirect effects, neurotoxicity and neuroprotection: a review.
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.
Brust
John C M
JC
Department of Neurology, Harlem Hospital Center and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY 10037, USA. jcb2@columbia.edu
D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D000431:Ethanol