A Correlation between Neuropsychological Tests and Indirect Markers of Alcoholism in Alcohol Dependence
Abstract
Background: Alcohol dependence is an increasing burden to the society. Cognitive impairment occurs in alcohol dependence. The indirect markers of alcoholism ALT, AST and GGT levels are elevated in alcohol dependence. There is poor performance observed in neuropsychological tests in alcohol dependence individuals. Objectives: To correlate the results of the neuropsychological tests - trail making A and B with indirect markers of alcohol use - serum ALT, AST and GGT. Materials and Methods: Total of 60 people participated in the study, 30 persons satisfying ICD 10 criteria for alcohol dependence were taken as study group and 30 non-alcohol dependent healthy volunteers were taken as controls. Trail making A and B were administered and the serum levels of ALT, AST, GGT were estimated in both groups. Results: The time taken to complete the trail making A and B and the serum levels of ALT, AST,GGT were statistically analysed using unpaired ‘t’ test and Pearson’s rank correlation in both the study and control groups. The neuropsychological performance was better in the control group than the study group. Only serum GGT levels significantly correlated with the neuropsychological tests in the positive direction. Conclusion: There is evidence of cognitive impairment in alcohol dependence and serum GGT can be used as a cognitive marker for it.
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