Functional outcome in TBI II: verbal memory and information processing speed mediators.
Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), patients often report memory difficulties, as well as reduced information processing speed. However, it remains unclear the extent to which these deficits contribute to functional impairment. In the present study, we compared the relative contribution of verbal memory and information processing speed to functional impairment at 12-month post-injury, in 87 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. Employing structural equation modeling, we found that information processing speed, but not verbal memory functions, significantly mediated the relationship between TBI severity and post-TBI adaptive functioning. These findings suggest that despite the pervasive memory complaints among patients with TBI, it is the impact of neurotrauma on frontal systems that appears to be primarily responsible for patients' difficulties in social and occupational functioning.
Rassovsky
Yuri
Y
Neuropsychology Division, Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. yurir@ucla.edu
Satz
Paul
P
Alfano
Mark S
MS
Light
Roger K
RK
Zaucha
Kenneth
K
McArthur
David L
DL
Hovda
David
D
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014706:Verbal Learning / Q000502:physiology*