Does heavy marijuana use impair human cognition and brain function?

Article Abstract:

The resurgence of marijuana use by young Americans might justify using brain imaging techniques to see if the drug has long-term effects on the brain. A 1996 study of college students who used marijuana found that heavy marijuana use impaired mental flexibility, abstraction and learning. Most of the intellectual defects were mild and were within normal individual variation. However, even subtle effects could have an effect on scholastic performance. And the intellectual impairment from long-term marijuana use could be cumulative. There have been many studies of the intellectual effects of long-term marijuana use, but many were not well-done and their findings are inconsistent. Brain imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography could reveal subtle anatomical changes in the brain. This would confirm the most logical explanation for these intellectual changes: that long-term marijuana use changes the structure or function of the brain.

Psychological aspects, Editorial, Marijuana

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Sports-related recurrent brain injuries - United States

Article Abstract:

Athletes who sustain a head injury that leads to concussion should not be allowed to continue playing until they are examined by a doctor. This is one of the recommendations of the American Academy of Neurology to prevent second impact syndrome. This occurs when someone sustains a second head injury shortly after the first one. Two case histories reveal that this may lead to swelling of the brain, which can be fatal. Since the syndrome was first described in 1984, there have been 21 reported cases but the true incidence is unknown.

Complications and side effects, Head injuries, Athletes

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Neuropsychological Impairment in Amateur Soccer Players

Article Abstract:

Soccer players have a high risk of chronic traumatic brain injury (CTBI). Part of their increased risk is caused by headers, where players intercept the ball with their head. In a study of 33 amateur soccer players and 27 athletes involved in swimming and track, 39% of the soccer players scored low on tests of planning and 27% scored low on tests of memory. The corresponding percentages in the other group were 13% and 7%. One-fourth of the soccer players had had two or more concussions during their career.

Statistical Data Included, Soccer players

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