Changes in resting-state brain function in chronic alcohol users based on degree centrality.

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on brain functional connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and degree centrality analysis.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, with participants including 23 light-to-moderate drinkers, 25 heavy drinkers, and 29 healthy controls aged 40-60 years. Degree centrality analysis was used to compare brain function differences among groups, and the relationships between degree centrality values, cognitive scores, and drinking behaviors were explored.ResultsHeavy drinkers showed significantly reduced degree centrality values in the left inferior temporal gyrus compared with healthy controls as well as in the left inferior temporal gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus compared with light-to-moderate drinkers. Degree centrality values in the left inferior temporal gyrus and left middle occipital gyrus were negatively correlated with drinking frequency and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test scores but were positively correlated with cognitive scores.ConclusionsHeavy drinking significantly disrupts brain functional networks. These findings suggest a potential link between cognitive function and drinking behavior, which may inform future research on early interventions aimed at protecting brain function in chronic alcohol users.