PTSD symptoms and onset of neurologic disease in elderly trauma survivors.
In this case study, we present two Holocaust survivors who appeared to have adapted well post-trauma, but developed severe PTSD symptomatology following the onset of neurologic illness in later life. These individuals were referred fro neuropsychological evaluations by their treating neurologists to assess their levels of cognitive functioning. We present the neuropsychological findings, and discuss possible mechanisms for emergence of PTSD symptoms. These case studies demonstrate the need for systematic research to further investigate the potential relationship between aging, degenerative disease, and PTSD symptoms in elderly trauma survivors.
Grossman
A B
AB
Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Levin
B E
BE
Katzen
H L
HL
Lechner
S
S
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D017767:Holocaust; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications*; D017741:Survivors