Cognitive Impairment of Chronic Alcohol Dependence and Its Relationship with Prefrontal Cortex

Aims: To review the progress of cognitive impairment of chronic alcohol dependence and its relationship with prefrontal cortex (PFC) Method: A literature review of via Pubmed searches to assess the current state of the field. Results: Cognitive impairment, particularly executive dysfunction, is a very important characteristic of alcohol dependence. The executive function is one of the most important frontal lobe activities. Chronic alcohol exposure can change the PFC morphological structure and integration function and the resulting defects can be observed in cognitive function. The PFC function mainly manifests the lack of executive function. Changes in PFC structure and functions can result in disordered regulation of neurobiological activities. Conclusion: The importance of the long term change of PFC executive function and associated neuron work is equal to or greater than that of the dopamine reward system when talking about mechanism underlying cognitive impairment.