Improved cognitive performance and post-injury plasticity during intensive outpatient treatment for substance use disorder. A case report

Abstract

There are different degrees of cognitive functional decline and modifiable risk factors related to their evolution. Mild cognitive impairment is a state of cognitive function between that seen in normal aging and dementia and is related to an increased risk of developing dementia. Among its potentially modifiable risk factors, substance use disorders have been described. In particular, techniques with predictive value have been developed to identify this impairment during neuropsychological assessment. We present a clinical case of a young patient with mild cognitive deficit and multiple drug abuse who after 24 months of an intensive outpatient treatment showed improvement in cognitive screening scores and neuroimaging. Together with other modifiable lifestyle factors, early cognitive screening in patients with substance use disorder could be a tool to detect other dimensions affected and contribute with specific therapies that promote post-injury plasticity and overall patient improvement.