New Insights on Neurocognition in Cocaine Use Disorder

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aims to provide an update of neurocognition in cocaine use disorder (CUD), focusing on new developments and areas of growth. It starts with a discussion of novel findings on the neurobiological underpinnings of CUD, including cognitive-genetic research and advanced functional neuroimaging tools and models. This is followed by an overview of progress in the area of CUD-related cognitive deficits, with a special focus on social cognition and meta-cognition. Finally, the review covers recent developments on the relationship between neurocognitive deficits and treatment outcomes and new trials of cognitive training for CUD.Recent FindingsThe studies reviewed support the notion that CUD is underpinned by neural alterations in cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits implicated in executive functions, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex regions implicated in social cognition and meta-cognition. Neurocognitive alterations are linked to individual variations in the function of chatecolamines, serotonin and glutamate systems. Brain and cognitive deficits can compromise treatment motivation, abstinence and recovery of social capital in CUD individuals.SummaryNew findings highlight the need to test new holistic neuroscience-based interventions for CUD that include rehabilitation of executive functions, self-awareness and social valuation and social cognition, as well as novel glutamatergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic drugs.
Source: Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research