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酒精滥用和依赖发展的一个公认的危险因素。研究表明，非滥用澳元的青少年中，有AUD阳性家族史（FHP）与神经认知和电生理异常有关，这表明有发生后续AUD风险的青少年可能携带神经标记物。AUD易感性的增加可能取决于这些认知特征的性质。利用结构方程模型（SEM）对比空间工作记忆任务的大脑激活模型，本研究提出，以空间工作记忆的神经基质长期发育为特征的微妙神经发育滞后可能是FHP （n=27）和FH阴性（n=38）青年的区别。功能连通性分析可能有助于阐明FHP青年复杂认知任务中使用的改变系统的模式。重要的是，传统上归因于大量饮酒的认知异常可能会受到家族史影响的缓和。增加对这些神经认知成分的了解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.