Cognitive Decline Countdown: How Cocaine Speeds It Up.Dr. Ferghal Armstrong sheds light on the profound cognitive decline associated with long-term cocaine use, unraveling the mystery behind cocaine’s neuroanatomy mechanisms and their impact on everyday life. Discover how chronic cocaine use, a form of drug abuse, leads to cognitive impairments such as attention deficits, impaired executive functioning, and emotional dysregulation—all stemming from dysfunctions in the brain's neurobiological systems. This video dives deep into the toll of addiction, particularly drug addiction, on mental health.In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Armstrong explores key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, explaining the complex interplay of neurotransmitters like dopamine and glutamate in chronic cocaine users. While cocaine takes center stage, parallels are drawn to other forms of addiction, such as opioid addiction, to highlight shared mechanisms of harm. Unveil the truths about structural brain changes, oxidative stress, and real-world implications like occupational impairment and disrupted relationships. This discussion is crucial for anyone journeying towards understanding substance use disorder or supporting someone in recovery from the grips of drug addiction.00:00:00 Introduction to Cognitive Decline and Cocaine Use00:00:57 Major Long Term Cognitive Deficits00:02:22 Impulsivity and Risky Behavior00:03:21 Problem Solving and Decision Making00:04:12 Attention and Concentration Deficits00:05:25 Memory Impairments00:06:58 Episodic and Working Memory Challenges00:08:30 Cognitive Flexibility and Emotional Regulation00:09:08 Emotional Dysregulation and Social Cues00:10:03 Stress Tolerance and Relapse Risk00:11:09 Neurobiological Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline00:12:58 Structural Brain Damage00:13:35 Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation00:14:44 Real World Implications of Cognitive Decline00:15:48 Potential for Brain Recovery00:17:39 Conclusion and Call to Action