Promising strategies for the prevention of alcohol-related brain damage through optimised management of acute alcohol withdrawal : a focussed literature review
Quelch, Darren Lingford-Hughes, Anne John, Bev Nutt, David Bradberry, Sally Roderique-Davies, Gareth
Quelch, Darren
Lingford-Hughes, Anne
John, Bev
Nutt, David
Bradberry, Sally
Roderique-Davies, Gareth
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Affiliation
University of South Wales; Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust; Imperial College London
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Publication date
2024-11-11
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Abstract
There is an increasing awareness of the link between chronic alcohol consumption and the development of cognitive, behavioural and functional deficits. Currently, preventative strategies are limited and require engagement in dedicated long-term rehabilitation and sobriety services, the availability of which is low. The acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome is an episode of neurochemical imbalance leading to autonomic dysregulation, increased seizure risk and cognitive disorientation. In addition to harm from symptoms of alcohol withdrawal (e.g. seizures), the underpinning neurochemical changes may also lead to cytotoxicity through various cellular mechanisms, which long-term, may translate to some of the cognitive impairments observed in Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD). Here we review some of the pharmacological and neurochemical mechanisms underpinning alcohol withdrawal. We discuss the cellular and pharmacological basis of various potential neuroprotective strategies that warrant further exploration in clinical populations with a view to preventing the development of ARBD. Such strategies, when integrated into the clinical management of acute alcohol withdrawal, may impact large populations of individuals, who currently face limited dedicated service delivery and healthcare resource.
Citation
Quelch D, Lingford-Hughes A, John B, Nutt D, Bradberry S, Roderique-Davies G. Promising strategies for the prevention of alcohol-related brain damage through optimised management of acute alcohol withdrawal: A focussed literature review. J Psychopharmacol. 2024 Nov 11:2698811241294005. doi: 10.1177/02698811241294005. Epub ahead of print.
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Article