A study by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs stated that the women are the sufferers in case of smoking when compared to people with a history of alcohol abuse.

A survey which involved 287 men and women aged between 31- 60 concluded that ones with a past history of alcohol abuse ranked at par with the ones who had no past drinking problems on a test concerning to the cognitive function. Further to which it was seen that women who were smoking addicts are the ones who were affected the most and at the same time scored low on the cognitive tests as well.

Although the reasons for the findings are still being looked for. It is still uncertain that alcohol would affect the long-term memory and other cognitive abilities or not. It is further claimed that alcohol abuse is diagnosed when a person shows at least a symptom which could be say, drinking and driving. It is considered that the abuse is postulated when one fulfils the three criteria which are; the need to drink more, wanting for the same effects and experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms when one's deprived of alcohol.

Dr Kristin Caspers, an assistant research scientist in the department of psychiatry at the University of Iowa concludes by stating, people can refrain from the effects of cognitive disorders if and when they drink in a moderate amount.