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Introduction: Attention, working memory, speed of processing, visuospatial abilities, executive functions, impulsivity, learning, memory and verbal fluency are cognitive functions that can be impaired in alcoholism. These cognitive impairments are underestimated in clinical practice, even though they could limit alcohol treatment. Objectives: Theme review on the available evidence regarding alcohol-related cognitive impairment. Presentation of a case report concerning a patient with alcohol dependence syndrome and cognitive complaints. Methods: Non-systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed/Medscape database. A patient's clinical record was reviewed. Results: We present a case report of a 44-year-old male with alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety disorder, who complains of memory and impulse control problems. The patient has alcohol consumption since 21 years old, with gradual increase. He drinks mainly beer and spirits drinks. He was admitted to inpatient care and after discharge, started the relapse prevention intervention. After 5 months of alcohol abstinence he maintained memory and impulse control problems. The patient was evaluated and some screening tools were applied (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery). In this patient, verbal fluency, memory, attention, visuospatial capacities and impulsivity were impaired. The patient was included in a Neuromodulation Cognitive Program at Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa. Conclusions: This case report highlights the neurocognitive effect of excessive and long-term consumption of alcohol, bringing a better understanding of alcohol-related cognitive disorders usually hidden by confounding factors. It is essential to take into account the cognitive dimension of alcohol-dependent patients in order to adapt their treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Harmful effects of chronic alcohol excessive consumption on the brain and cognitive functioning have been described, but are largely underestimated in clinical practice. Such cognitive disorders can interfere with the motivation process to abandon maladjusted drinking behavior and limit patient's capacity to benefit from treatment, contributing to relapse. Objectives: Theme review on the available evidence regarding alcohol-related cognitive impairments. Describe the major cognitive impairments in a group of patients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorder due to use of alcohol. Methods: Non-systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed/Medscape database. Characterization of a group of patients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorder due to use of alcohol with cognitive complaints. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was applied. Results: Research about alcohol-related cognitive impairments is challenging, consideringmultiple patterns of alcohol abuse, personal and lifestyle factors, and vulnerability of specific brain regions. We studied 9 patients diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorder due to use of alcohol with cognitive complaints affecting daily routine. They were included in a relapse prevention program after abstinence. Inan initial assessment, MoCAwas applied and8 patients showed results under the cut-off point, being the mainly affected domains verbal fluency, memory, attention and visuospatial capacities. Patients were included in a Neuromodulation Cognitive Program in Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa. Conclusions: Our research revealed significant cognitive deficits in this group of patients, highlighting the importance of recognizing and screening for alcohol-related cognitive impairments, that are largely underestimated in clinical practice and have large implication in treatment and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]