Pattern of cognitive impairment in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder evaluated at a memory disorders clinic.
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.
Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. ScottM@lppi.ucsf.edu
R
R
Scott Mackin
Julia A
JA
Lesselyong
Kristine
K
Yaffe
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*