Introduction to alcohol-related disorders

Question 1

Where does AUD stand for?

Answer 1

AUD = Alcohol use disorder

Question 2

What are the various ways that alcohol damages the nervous system?

Answer 2

• Immediate nerotoxic effect on neurons and axons.
• Indirect neurotoxic effect of high calcium concentrations in the neurons after sudden withdrawal of alcohol.
• Irriversible disruption of physiological processes caused by chronicvitamin deficiency (B!, thiamine)

Question 3

How is alcohol toxic to the body?

Answer 3

1. Alcohol stimulates GABA –> neurotransmission in the brain is impaired –> causing sedative effects such as loss of control and coördination
2. Alcohol inhibits NDMA –> cognitive impairments (NDMA-receoptors are sensitive to excssive amounts of alcohol causing them to multiply)

Question 4

Welke hersenstructuren zijn het meest kwetsbaar voor het effect van alcohol?

Answer 4

1. Neocortex
2. Limbisch systeem
3. Hippocampus
4. Cerebellum

Question 5

Wat is over het algemeen het effect van langdurig alcohol gebruik op de structuren van de hersenen?

Answer 5

De witte massa in de hersenen neemt af