Chunk #35 — 4. Discussion — 4.1. Altered Functional Connectivity in the Memory Group — 4.1.2. Hyperconnectivity across the Hippocampal–Cortical Networks in the Memory Group
Weaker resting-state connectivity between the hippocampus and ACC may suggest the disruption of mood regulation [107], possibly due to compromised structural connectivity between these major structures [108]. Another explanation for the lower connectivity between the hippocampus and ACC in the memory group [109] is the presence of alcohol-induced microstructural alterations in neuronal fiber tracts connecting brain structures in AUD individuals [110], as occurs in patients with traumatic axonal injury, causing damage to axonal fiber tracts across and within the hemispheres, including the hippocampal-cortical bundles [111]. As mentioned earlier, given that the memory group reported more instances of heavy drinking and alcohol-related health consequences than the control group, it is expected that neuronal damage, including the compromised hippocampal–cortical connectivity, is more pronounced in these individuals, resulting in memory problems along with other neurocognitive and health issues. In sum, it is possible that alcohol-induced hippocampal atrophy [112] may underlie the disruption of the cortical–hippocampal network that underpins memory formation and retrieval processes [113,114].
