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Pattern of cognitive impairment in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder evaluated at a memory disorders clinic
Author(s) -
Scott Mackin R.,
Lesselyong Julia A.,
Yaffe Kristine
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.2763
Subject(s) - posttraumatic stress , cognitive impairment , psychology , psychiatry , cognitive disorder , cognition , clinical psychology , memory impairment , memory disorder , psychometrics , medicine
Background: We determined the pattern of clinically significant cognitive impairment (CI) among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated in a memory disorders clinic. Methods: Data were collected from 19 ethnically diverse veterans. Cognitive functioning in six domains (verbal learning, memory, attention, language, executive functioning, and information processing speed) was assessed. Results: The majority of veterans (57%) demonstrated CI on a measure of single trial list learning, 44% exhibited CI on short delay memory for lists, and 31% exhibited CI in long delay memory for lists. CI on measures of memory for stories (14%) and executive functioning (6%) were less common, and none of the participants demonstrated CI on measures of attention, language, or information processing speed. Conclusions: CI on measures of single trial list learning and memory for lists are common in older patients with PTSD evaluated in a memory disorders clinic and are likely to contribute to functional deficits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.