How Alcohol Affects the Brain’s Cortex: Impairments in Judgment, Coordination, Attention, and Memory

​Which functions are first to be affected when a person begins to drink alcohol?

​Judgment and reasoning

Alcohol affects the central nervous system, which controls and coordinates the body’s functions, including movement, thinking, and feelings. The first functions that are typically affected by alcohol consumption are those that are controlled by the brain’s cortex or the outermost layer of the brain. These functions include:

1. Judgment and decision-making abilities: Alcohol decreases inhibitions and impairs the ability to make sound judgments, leading to a higher likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors or making poor decisions.

2. Coordination and motor skills: Alcohol affects the cerebellum, which is responsible for fine motor control and balance. This can result in slurred speech, stumbling, and impaired hand-eye coordination.

3. Attention and concentration: Alcohol impairs the ability to maintain focus and pay attention, which can make it difficult to complete tasks or follow conversations.

4. Memory: Alcohol affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for the formation and storage of memories, leading to memory lapses or blackouts.

As more alcohol is consumed, these effects become more pronounced and can eventually lead to more serious impairments in other bodily functions like respiration and heart rate.

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