Impaired cognitive performance in drug free users of recreational ecstasy (MDMA)

Use of ecstasy, possibly together with cannabis, may cause cognitive decline in healthy young people. An impairment of working memory might underlie declines in various task performances. The cognitive disturbance likely relates to ecstasy's neurotoxic potential, and even typical recreational doses appear sufficient to cause neurotoxicity in humans.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The present data raise concern that use of ecstasy possibly in conjunction with cannabis may lead to cognitive decline in otherwise healthy young people. Although the nature of the emerging cognitive disturbance is not yet clear, an impairment of working memory might be the common denominator underlying or contributing to declines of performance in various tasks. The cognitive disturbance is likely to be related to the well recognised neurotoxic potential of ecstasy. The data suggest that even typical recreational doses of ecstasy are sufficient to cause neurotoxicity in humans.