Luciana Angela Ignat

Introduction: Chronic alcohol use is a complex condition influenced by psychological, behavioral, and socio-demographic factors. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive psychosocial profile of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by examining associations between psychometric variables and relapse risk including repeated psychiatric hospitalizations. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted on a sample of 104 patients admitted for alcohol withdrawal management at the “Prof. Dr. Al. Obregia” Psychiatric Clinical Hospital in Bucharest between March 2023 and September 2024. Participants completed a set of validated psychometric tools: the Drinker Inventory of Consequences—Lifetime Version (DrInC), Readiness to Change Questionnaire—Treatment Version (RTCQ), Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (DEQ), and Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (DRSEQ). Additional data were collected on the socio-demographic (education level, socio-professional category), genetic (family history of alcohol use), and behavioral factors (length of abstinence, tobacco use, co-occurring substance use disorders). Results: Higher alcohol-related consequence scores (DrInC) were significantly associated with lower education (p < 0.001, η² = 0.483), disadvantaged socio-professional status (p < 0.001, η² = 0.514), and family history of alcohol use (p < 0.001, η² = 0.226). Self-efficacy (DRSEQ) was significantly lower among individuals with co-occurring substance use (p < 0.001) and nicotine dependence (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that the DrInC scores significantly predicted readmission within three months (OR = 1.09, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Psychometric tools are effective in identifying individuals at high risk. Personalized, evidence-based interventions tailored to both psychological and socio-professional profiles, combined with structured post-discharge support, are essential for improving long-term recovery and reducing the readmission rates.

Since we aim to test new options to find medication for cognitive disorders, we have begun to assess the effect of semaglutide and to conduct a review gathering studies that have attempted this purpose. This systematic review focuses on the cognitive effects of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in the context of neurological and cognitive impairment. Semaglutide, a synthetic GLP-1 analog, showcased neuroprotective effects beyond metabolic regulation. It mitigated apoptosis and improved cognitive dysfunction in cerebrovascular disease, suggesting broader implications for neurological well-being. Also, studies highlighted GLP-1 RAs’ positive impact on olfactory function in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, on neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and endotoxemia. In order to analyze current studies that assess the impact of semaglutide on cognitive function, a literature search was conducted up to February 2024 on two online databases, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science Core Collection, as well as various websites. Fifteen studies on mice populations and two studies on cell lines were included, analyzed, and assessed with bias-specific tools. The neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties of GLP-1 and its analogs were emphasized, with animal models and cell line studies demonstrating enhanced cognitive function. While promising, limitations include fewer studies, highlighting the need for extensive research, particularly in the human population. Even though this medication seems promising, there are significant limitations, one of which is the lack of studies on human subjects. Therefore, this review aims to gather current evidence.