Lower cognitive test scores observed in alcohol abstainers are associated with demographic, personality, and biological factors: The PATH through life project

Abstract

Aims: To identify variables that explain the association between alcohol abstention and cognitive performance. We hypothesized that demographic and personality variables would be important for explaining the association in all age cohorts, but that health variables would be more important in the older age-cohorts. Design: Three age cohorts (20-24, 40-44, 60-64 years) were sampled randomly, yielding a total of 7485 participants, with data from 602 alcohol abstainers and 4158 light or moderate drinkers used in this study. Setting: The sample was drawn from the cities of Canberra and Oueanbeyan, Australia. Measurements: Scales measuring demographic, health and personality variables and cognitiv..