Alcohol-induced Neurocognitive Disorder

This disorder represents cognitive impairment secondary to chronic alcohol use, including deficits in memory, executive function, attention, and visuospatial skills. Etiology involves neurotoxic effects of ethanol, thiamine deficiency, and structural brain changes, particularly in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Clinically, patients present with memory loss, impaired problem-solving, attention deficits, and disorientation. Diagnosis requires neuropsychological testing, assessment of alcohol use history, and exclusion of primary neurodegenerative disorders. Management includes sustained abstinence, nutritional supplementation (thiamine), cognitive rehabilitation, and treatment of comorbid psychiatric conditions. Prognosis depends on severity and duration of alcohol exposure, with partial recovery possible if intervention occurs early.