Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults Following Traumatic Brain Injury
2024
Cognitive Decline in Older Adults After Brain Injury
Sample size: 42
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Albrecht
Primary Institution: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does traumatic brain injury lead to cognitive decline in older adults?
Conclusion
About one-third of older adults experience cognitive decline within six months after a traumatic brain injury, especially affecting memory and visuospatial skills.
Supporting Evidence
- 31.0% of participants had cognitive decline after TBI.
- Participants with cognitive decline were more likely to have a history of depression.
- Those with cognitive decline were more likely to live alone.
- Visuospatial and immediate memory skills were particularly affected in those with cognitive decline.
Takeaway
When older people hurt their brains, many of them can forget things or have trouble with tasks like drawing or remembering things.
Methodology
Participants were assessed on cognitive domains at multiple time points post-TBI using the RBANS.
Limitations
The study is ongoing and findings are preliminary.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 73.9 years, with 47.6% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.003, p=.02, p=.04, p=.047
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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