A new study published Tuesday reveals a strong connection between heavy long-term cannabis use and diminished performance in working memory tasks. The research, conducted by a team at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, analyzed data from over 1,200 young adults, utilizing cognitive function tests and brain MRI scans. The findings highlight the potential cognitive risks associated with heavy cannabis use and emphasize the need for further research.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has revealed a significant link between heavy long-term cannabis use and reduced performance in working memory tasks. The study, published Tuesday, analyzed data from 1,206 young adults aged 29 on average. Participants completed tasks measuring seven brain function s, reported their lifetime cannabis use, and provided urine samples for toxicology screening.
The researchers identified a clear association between heavy lifetime cannabis use (defined as 1,000 or more lifetime uses) and decreased performance in working memory. This link persisted even when analyzing data from heavy lifetime users who did not test positive for recent cannabis use. Brain MRI scans conducted as part of the study further corroborated these findings. Heavy long-term cannabis use was linked to reduced activity in brain regions crucial for cognitive functions like decision-making, memory, attention, and impulse control. These regions include the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, and anterior insula. While the study observed no measurable link between cannabis use and six other cognitive functions, the findings regarding working memory raise important concerns. The authors emphasize the need to educate cannabis users about the potential consequences of recent and heavy lifetime use on their cognitive abilities. They also suggest that the association between heavy cannabis use and reduced brain function could motivate regular users to reduce their consumption and encourage treatment. Further large-scale, long-term studies are needed to fully understand the impact of cannabis on the brain, including the duration of these effects and how they vary across different age groups.
Cannabis Working Memory Brain Function Cognitive Decline Heavy Use
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