Project
Quantifying the neurocognitive and neurobiological impact of cannabis across the life span: the evolution of memory and executive control deficits
Cannabis is the most widely abused illicit drug and its early use by adolescents has been associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes, including cognitive impairments, poor socio-occupational functioning and mental health problems. Recent research has identified impairments in memory, attention and executive functions in adult chronic users in the unintoxicated state. These deficits have variously been attributed to dose, frequency or duration of cannabis use and further research is necessary to elucidate the parameters of use that lead to clinically significant dysfunction. In addition, evidence that the age of onset of cannabis use has been decreasing over recent decades is particularly concerning, as there is a growing literature to suggest that early onset use is associated with greater adverse consequences. Through collaborations with Dr Nadia Solowij, we are now investigating the effects of frequency and duration of cannabis use on verbal learning and visuospatial memory in cohorts of adult and adolescent cannabis users utilising sophisticated brain imaging techniques.
Investigators
Dr Nadia Solowij, Dr Marc Seal, A/Prof Dan Lubman, A/Prof Murat Yucel, Prof Philip McGuire, Dr Alex Fornito, Dr Ben Harrison, Prof Christos Pantelis
Students
Valentina Lorenzetti, Ian Harding, Claudia Marck
Research Assistants
Michael Takagi, Karissa Searle
Ethics
Melbourne Health: MHREC