Memory and related factors in alcohol dependent patients

Abstract

This objective of this research is to study memory and related factors in alcohol dependent patients by using composite scores, immediate memory, delayed memory and total memory. The subject of this research are 62 alcohol dependent patients undergoing rehabilitation at Thanyarak Institute, Department of medical services, Ministry of Health, Pathumthani, Thailand. The researcher interviewed personal information with individual interview, screen for the depression sign by 2 Question (2Q) and assess memory by The Wechsler Memory Scale Third-Edition Abbreviated (WMS-III Abbreviated). The results revealed that average composite scores including, immediate memory and delayed memory and total memory were found to be in the borderline range. The study of individual factors with primary level education related to memory found in alcohol dependent patients had a significant difference in mean memory scores in all aspects from the other studies (p<0.05). For the age group factor, it was found those 18 - 35 years old had significant difference in mean memory scores than those 36 - 55 years old, in terms of delayed visual memory. For the nutritional factor, calculated by body mass index (BMI), it was found that those with underweight and normal weight had significant difference in mean memory scores than those who were overweight in terms of immediate visual memory (p<0.05). Nevertheless, factors associated with binge drinking, age of first exposure, duration, quantity, frequency and family history of alcohol dependence were not significant. This research showed that levels of educationare related with all modalities and memory composite while ages related to the delayed visual memory and the nutrition status related to the immediate visual memory. The other factors show no correlation between each other. There should be investigated for further study in memory including other cognitiveabilities.