It is already known that, compared to men, female drinkers develop health problems faster and with less alcohol. The results of a recent study of male and female Russian alcoholics and non-alcoholics suggest that female alcoholics are at risk of developing cognitive problems more rapidly than men as well. The findings were published in the May issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.
“At a group level,” said Barbara A. Flannery, senior scientist at RTI International and corresponding author for the study, “the female alcoholics – when compared to the male alcoholics – performed worse on tests of visual working memory, spatial planning, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility.” These deficits fall under the category of executive functioning, which “have a more pervasive effect on one’s ability to function on a daily basis.”
Flannery also noted that women and teenage girls should be made aware that alcohol has a more harmful effect on them both physically and cognitively when compared to their male counterparts.
Educating young women about these findings may help to deter them from future destructive drinking.
Read the full press release: Female alcoholics can develop cognitive problems more rapidly than male alcoholics.
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