Functional Connectivity in Youth at Risk for Alcoholism

描述(由申请人提供)：酒精使用障碍的家族史是青少年酗酒和依赖发展的公认风险因素。研究将AUD的阳性家族史(FHP)与非虐待青少年的神经认知和电生理异常联系起来，表明有可能发展为后续AUD的年轻人可能携带易患AUD的神经标志。AUD易感性的增加可能取决于这些认知特征的性质。使用结构方程模型(SEM)对空间工作记忆任务反应的大脑激活模型进行比较，本研究提出，以空间工作记忆神经底物长期发育为特征的微妙神经发育滞后可以区分FHP(n=27)和FH阴性(FHN)(n=38)青年。功能连通性分析可能有助于阐明FHP青少年在复杂认知任务中使用的改变系统的模式。重要的是，传统上归因于酗酒的认知异常，可能会受到家族病史影响的缓解。对这些神经认知成分的了解增加，可能有助于揭示导致酒精依赖风险增加的因素。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A family history of alcohol use disorders is a well-established risk factor for the development of adolescent alcohol abuse and dependence. Studies have linked a positive family history (FHP) of AUD to neurocognitive and electrophysiological abnormalities in non-abusing adolescents, suggesting that youth at risk for developing subsequent AUD may carry neural markers for predisposition. Increased vulnerability for AUD may depend upon the nature of these cognitive features. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) to contrast models of brain activation in response to a spatial working memory task, this study proposes that a subtle neurodevelopmental lag, as characterized by protracted development of the neural substrate of spatial working memory, may distinguish FHP (n=27) from FH negative (FHN) (n=38) youth. Functional connectivity analyses may help elucidate a pattern of altered systems employed in complex cognitive tasks in FHP youth. Importantly, cognitive abnormalities, traditionally ascribed to heavy drinking, may be moderated by family history effects. Increased understanding of these neurocognitive components may aid in uncovering factors that contribute to heightened risk for alcohol dependence.