Predictors of Cognitive Recovery in ARBD Rehabilitation V1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Recovery of Cognitive Functioning in Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD): Predictors and Trajectories During Abstinence in Residential Rehabilitation

• IRAS ID

  362199

• Contact name

  Pak Chi Chu

• Contact email

  parry.chu@nhs.scot

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Edinburgh

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 6 months, 12 days

• Research summary

  Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) is a condition that can develop after long-term heavy drinking, associated with difficulties in memory, attention, decision-making, mood and behaviour. While ARBD most commonly affects people aged 40–60, it is increasingly being identified in younger adults. Previous research shows that ARBD individuals can experience improvements with their cognitions and day-to-day functioning following abstinence, especially within the first year. However, recovery varies widely and the reasons for these differences remain unclear.

  This study aims to explore and identify personal and social factors that predict recovery trajectories from ARBD. It will address the question: “Why do some people with ARBD improve rapidly after stopping drinking while others may make slower or less progress overtime?”.

  The study will analyse existing routinely collected clinical data from adults diagnosed with ARBD who attended a 12-week residential recovery programme within NHS Scotland (called “Milestone”). This service supports people to stop drinking, rebuild life skills and take part in activities designed to promote cognitive recovery. The study will examine changes in neuropsychological test scores over time and explore their relationship with factors previously identified in ARBD literature and theories as potentially influential on recovery:

  • Age
  • Sex
  • Socioeconomic Deprivation
  • Education / Premorbid Functioning
  • Psychological Distress
  • Head Injury
  • Polysubstance Use

  Identifying factors linked to better recovery outcomes can help healthcare professionals tailor support to individuals, improving their chances of regaining independence and quality of life. Results will be shared with NHS and community organisations and communicated to people living with ARBD in accessible formats. A summary will also be submitted to open-access journals and presented at relevant academic and clinical conferences.

  Overall, this research seeks to improve current understanding of ARBD recovery, support patients and carers, and foster hope for meaningful recovery. Findings can also inform future healthcare service development and potentially reduce hospital admissions, optimising the use of NHS resources.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/WM/0056

• Date of REC Opinion

  19 May 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion