Does alcohol diminish the brain’s cognitive abilities?

Does alcohol diminish the brain’s cognitive abilities?Part of the brain studied: The region of the brain to be studied would be the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex. There are two parts called the left and right frontal lobe. Each lobe controls the opposite side of the body. This region of the brain is responsible for many functions. Emotions, language, memory, problem solving, and even sexual desire are all functions of this region (Ward, 2015). Being able to communicate and have proper motor functions are part of the cerebral cortex. With this brain region being damaged by alcohol consumption it could greatly affect cognitive abilities. Hypothesis: Alcohol consumption can diminish cognitive abilities. The brain cannot properly send and receive messages because the neurons are damaged. Summary of study (include why you chose a specific imagining tool):Due to alcohol utilization, many factors that are related with brain damage can vary depending on the individual. The longevity of alcohol consumption, nutrition, gender, age, and the susceptibility of a brain region are a few of these factors (Oscar-Berman, M. & Marinkovic, K., 2003). Structural changes in the brain can occur from alcohol consumption. The brain regions that these structural changes can occur in are the frontal lobes of the cerebrum. This is the region where the shrinkage of white matter is apparent. These areas of white matter are diminished due to the myelin sheath losing its coverage of protection on the axon. Without the myelin sheath for protection the strength of the nerve impulses is weakened.Neurotransmitters are released at the end of the axon by the nerve impulses (Ward, 2015). If alcohol is consumed for extended periods of time these neurotransmitters are greatly affected. Damage to the dendrites causes the action potential to be interrupted. Damaged dendrites cannot send messages to the axon properly. Thus, causing confusion between the axons making cognitive abilities difficult. I chose the MR imaging tool to study alcoholism and the brain. MRI’s shows how alcohol affects the shrinkage of the brain. It also shows where the fluid is more excessive. An MRI has many advantages than other imaging techniques do. Being as this research study is on cognitive abilities, this imaging tool better differentiates between white and grey matter. MRI’s are safe so subjects can be scanned multiple times (Ward, 2015). The subjects should be scanned during active periods of consumption. We can then take a normal image and compare it to the first scan of active consumption. Doing this will show the region of damage that has been affected. Another scan should be conduction at different intervals post consumption. By comparing these scans against each other will show how the brain can repair itself. Expected Results:Expected results of this study is that it will show what cognitive and physical issues have occurred as well as behavioral. Different regions of the brain are affected from alcohol consumption from a reduction of white matter. Depending on the region or area depends on the difficulties a person must deal with. Depending on the severity of the damage also depends on which areas are most effected. It is expected to see brain shrinkage from prolonged exposure to alcohol. Cognitive issues such as memory loss is expected as well as poor judgment.Potential problems with study: Potential problems with this study are this imaging tool alone will not give the full scope of damage alone. Everyone is different therefore the damage is unique to the individual. There are many variations of factors to consider when analyzing the results. This can make it difficult to understand what caused the damage in specific regions. MRI’s can also be very costly (Oscar-Berman, M. & Marinkovic, K., 2003). Another problem is that people who have pacemakers are not able to be scanned. Since this is a magnetic imaging process nothing metal is allowed near the machine while in use.ReferencesOscar-Berman, M., & Marinkovic, K. (2003). Alcoholism and the brain: an overview. Alcohol Research & Health: The Journal Of The National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism, 27(2), 125–133. Ward, J. (2015). The student’s guide to cognitive neuroscience (3rd edition). Devon, UK: Psychology Press.