Alcohol’s effect on memory back in news

Kavanaugh allegations renew debate on topic

Allegations that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted Christine Blasey Ford when the two were teenagers have not just prompted uncertainty about Kavanaugh’s confirmation, they also have prompted discussion about intoxication, sexual assault and how alcohol impacts memory — especially in the developing teenage brain.

The contentious topic typically arises in discussions of college sexual assault — like the case of Brock Turner, a 19-yearold convicted for sexually assaulting a young woman who had passed out from drinking.

Lawyers of the accused often use the victim’s intoxication to cast doubt on their recollection of events, while advocates argue it’s an unfair standard, as both parties are often impaired.

Research shows that in about half of all sexual assaults on campus, either the victim, the perpetrator or both were consuming alcohol.

Science, meanwhile, is becoming clearer on the issue of alcohol and the brain. Depending on the amount and frequency of consumption, alcohol can affect both shortand long-term memories, especially in young, developing brains.

“Enough of the facts are in from neurobiological research to understand that alcohol has a substantial impact on the brain’s ability to transfer information into long-term memory,” wrote Jamie Smolen, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Florida, in an article for the website The Conversation.

In the case of Kavanaugh’s alleged assault, it’s uncertain how much he or Ford was drinking that night.

Ford, now a professor at Palo Alto University, accused Kavanaugh of assaulting her at a high school party more than 30 years ago.

In an interview with The Washington Post, she said he pinned her on a bed, groped her, drunkenly trying to pull off her bathing suit, and covered her mouth to keep her from screaming. She said most people at the party had one beer while Kavanaugh was heavily intoxicated.

Kavanaugh has categorically denied the allegation, saying “I did not do this back in high school or at any time.” He has not commented on his level of intoxication. In past speeches, he has alluded to heavy drinking as a student.