Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study of Structural Imaging

Background:

The way alcohol affects brain structure has been widely studied. But the way it affects all parts of the brain is still unknown. Researchers want to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to study brain structure and function. They hope this will help them better understand changes that happen in brain regions during treatment of alcohol use disorders.

Objectives:

To study changes in the brain by using MRI in people with and without alcohol use disorders. To study how brain changes affect gait, balance, cognitive ability, and behavior. To see how the brain recovers when alcohol use stops.

Eligibility:

People with alcohol dependence who are currently hospitalized in a particular unit at NIH.

Healthy volunteers 30 60 years old without an alcohol use disorder.

Design:

Participants will be screened under a separate protocol.

Participants will give a urine sample for a drug test and pregnancy test at each study visit. They will also have to pass a breath alcohol test.

At the first visit, participants will have an MRI. The scanner is a metal cylinder in a strong magnetic field. Participants will lie on a table that slides in and out of the cylinder.

They will do behavior and memory tasks outside the scanner.

They will have gait and balance tested. They will have to stand on both legs, stand on just one leg, and walk in a straight line. They will perform each task with eyes open, then with eyes closed.

They will have tests of memory, thinking, and problem solving.

Some participants will have a second visit. They will have another MRI and repeat some of the behavior and memory tasks.

...