Ageing and traumatic brain injury: age, decline in function and level of assistance over the first 10 years post-injury.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the course of changes in function and need for assistance in the chronic stages of TBI; and to identify factors associated with these changes.


METHODS
Longitudinal review of participants in the TBI Model Systems Database, who have been prospectively followed for at least 10 years.


METHODS
Four hundred and seventy-eight individuals with TBI that occurred between 25 October 1988 and 31 December 1998, enrolled in the TBI Model Systems National Database, eligible for 10-year follow-up when data was extracted, with completed data collection at either year 1 or 2 and year 10.


RESULTS
Significant between age group differences were found for FIM toileting, bladder, bowel, toilet transfers, locomotion, problem-solving and memory; SRS; DRS level of functioning, employability and total; and GOS. With regard to functional independence, there were significant differences by age category for all FIM components except memory. Significant differences were noted for age category and level of dependence as measured by the DRS (LOF 1.5-5) and GOS (GOS 2-4). Supervision needs significantly increased as a function of age. Significant differences were found for diminished function over time. Significant differences were noted for residence at 10 years post-injury.


CONCLUSIONS
For those individuals that survive to 10 years post-TBI, age is a major factor in requiring assistance of another person for supervision as well as assistance in basic self-care, continence and mobility.
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA. stephanie.hayner@hhs.sccgov.org
Stephanie A
SA
Kolakowsky-Hayner
Flora M
FM
Hammond
Jerry
J
Wright
Thomas A
TA
Novack
Jeffrey
J
Englander
Ramon
R
Diaz-Arrastia
Andrew
A
Dennison
Paul
P
Sueno
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011340:Problem Solving; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012648:Self Care; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation