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The brain remembers: The hidden cost of young adult substance use

Young adults who heavily use substances may report significantly poorer memory decades later, according to a new study using data from the Monitoring the Future Longitudinal Panel Study.

Researchers tracked how frequently participants reported binge drinking and daily—or near-daily—use of alcohol, cannabis and cigarettes between ages 18 and 30. They then compared those patterns with self-reported poor memory at ages 50 to 65.

The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, was recently published in the Journal of Aging and Health.

Continue reading about how heavy young adult substance use is linked to poorer midlife memory

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The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the leading public research universities globally. Established in 1817, it is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach and a wide range of academic programs that include over 200 undergraduate majors, and numerous graduate and professional degrees. The university is also famous for its optimistic sports culture, represented by its Wolverines, and its bold school color, maize and blue. Featuring some of the most distinguished faculty in the world, it provides an innovative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. With a rich and vibrant presence in arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering, the University of Michigan stands as an emblem of academic excellence and diversity.

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