Impulsivity and decision making in older and younger cocaine‐dependent participants: A preliminary study

• Published in: The American journal on addictions Vol. 27; no. 7; pp. 557 - 559
• Main Authors: Johns, Sade E., Wang, Qin, Straub, Lisa K., Moeller, F.Gerard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.2018
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aging - drug effects; Aging - psychology; Cocaine-Related Disorders - psychology; Decision Making - drug effects; Female; Humans; Impulsive Behavior - drug effects; Male; Memory, Short-Term - drug effects; Middle Aged; Task Performance and Analysis
• ISSN: 1055-0496; 1521-0391
• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12806

Background and Objectives Substance misuse is increasing in the older population, which may have differing effects on behavior compared to younger substance participants. Differences in trait and state impulsivity were assessed in younger and older cocaine‐dependent participants. Methods Thirty‐one younger cocaine‐dependent participants (n = 31) and 21 older cocaine‐dependent participants (n = 21) were assessed using the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale‐11 and the Immediate Memory Task. Results Younger participants showed higher trait impulsivity than older participants (p =.027). However, older participants demonstrated higher state impulsivity than younger participants (p =.018). Conclusion Higher state impulsivity in older cocaine participants suggests that cocaine use may have accelerating effects on the aging brain. Scientific Significance This preliminary study adds the limited research on how cocaine use affects normal aging. Current treatments are based on younger adults, therefore the needs of older adults should be taken into consideration and studied more. (Am J Addict 2018;27:557–559)