Cognitive Deficits in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) Patients with and without Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE).

There is a vast literature on the cognitive deficits incurred due alcohol dependence syndrome and alcohol use disorder (Madhusudhan, Anitha & Ruth, 2021; Smith, Mattick, Jamadar & Iredale, 2014). Several studies have also explored the cognitive deficits in individuals with ACE (O’Shea, Demakakos, Cadar, & Kobayashi, 2021; Hawkins et al., 2021). Studies have also shown the association between ADS and ACEs (Leza, Siria, López-Goñi, & Fernández-Montalvo, 2021; Loudermilk, Loudermilk, Obenauer, & Quinn, 2018; Fuller-Thomson, Roane & Brennenstuhl, 2016). However, studies have not compared the differences in cognitive functioning (memory and cognitive control) in individuals having ADS with and without ACEs. Extremely few studies have explored the relationship between ACE and cognitive control (Kalia, Knauft, & Hayatbini, 2021). Several studies have been conducted on college students and early adults with excessive alcohol use, not specifically catering to the patient population, especially in the Indian setting. The WHO developed the Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) to be inclusive of a more holistic view on hardship (WHO, 2011a, 2011b, 2011c). As of yet very few studies have been issued utilizing this instrument. Several researches have shown that adverse childhood events lead to cognitive deficits and even alcohol dependence leads to cognitive deficits. Literature has described cognitive deficits associated with ADS and it also elaborates on the cognitive deficits associated with ACE. However, literature does not focus on individuals who have both ADS and ACE and the cognitive deficits associated with them. Research has also shown a strong link between ADS and ACE (Leza, Siria, López-Goñi, & Fernández-Montalvo, 2021), there is a shortage of adequate empirical researches on the mechanisms that underlie this link (Türkmen, Machunze, Tan, Gerhardt, Kiefer, & Vollstädt-Klein, 2022). Literature has not been able to isolate the differences in cognitive deficits among individuals with ACE, ADS and ADS with ACE and understand the underlying mechanisms between ACE, ADS and cognitive deficits.

The present study aims to understand the differences in deficits in memory and cognitive control in individuals with ADS (without ACE), ACE (without ADS), and ADS with ACE. The study hypothesises that cognitive deficits are more in individuals with ACE +ADS as compared to only ADS (without ACE). Cognitive deficits are more in individuals with only ADS (without ACE) as compared to those with only ACE (without ADS).