Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA (“Ecstasy”) users: A longitudinal investigation
Neurology – April 10, 2001
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Continued use of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, can lead to significant memory decline. In a longitudinal study involving 15 regular users, assessments revealed that after one year, participants showed a progressive decrease in both immediate and delayed recall abilities. This was measured using a neuropsychological test battery focused on retrospective and prospective memory tasks, with subjects remaining abstinent for two weeks before testing. The findings underscore the potential neurotoxic effects of MDMA on critical cognitive functions over time.
Abstract
To examine the neurotoxic potential of continued MDMA ("Ecstasy") use in humans and its functional consequences over the course of 1 year, 15 MDMA users participated in a longitudinal study in which they completed a brief neuropsychological test battery composed mainly of retrospective and prospective memory tasks. Subjects were abstinent for 2 weeks on initial and 1-year testing. Continued use of MDMA was associated with progressive decline in terms of immediate and delayed recall.