Abstract
The incidence of mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) increases with age and within the context of an aging population, this underlines the importance of research in this field¹. Enhancing the identification of elderly patients at higher risk of incomplete recovery is crucial to implement timely interventions².
We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics observed in this patient group. Also, we aimed to determine the influence of several predictors on recovery using a multifactorial approach combining demographic- and injury factors with psychological factors.
Questionnaires at two weeks postinjury: Cognitive Reserve (Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire) Posttraumatic complaints (Head Injury Symptom Checklist. Outcome at three and six months postinjury. Glasgow Outcome Scale-extended to assess complete recovery (CR) (GOSE = 8) and incomplete recovery (IR) (GOSE ≤ 7). Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)
Frailty (Groninger Frailty Index). Three months postinjury, 42% of the elderly reached complete recovery. In a multivariate logistic regression analyses, the presence of CT-abnormalities, increased frailty and posttraumatic complaints at two-weeks postinjury were significant predictors for an unfavourable outcome. Six months postinjury, 50% of the elderly reached complete recovery. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, more severe depression and posttraumatic complaints at two weeks postinjury were significant predictors for unfavourable outcome. This study reveals different types of predictors for recovery in the subacute (3 months) and chronic phase (6 months) following mTBI in elderly patients. In the subacute phase, physical impairments play a significant role, as evidenced by the predictive power of especially frailty. This emphasizes the importance of addressing physical aspects during initial interventions. Conversely, in the chronic phase, psychological factors take on a more pivotal role. Depression, emerges as a key predictor, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health assessments during extended recovery. These findings underscore the evolving nature of mTBI recovery in elderly and emphasize the importance of tailored interventions addressing both physical and psychological components for optimal patient care.
We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics observed in this patient group. Also, we aimed to determine the influence of several predictors on recovery using a multifactorial approach combining demographic- and injury factors with psychological factors.
Questionnaires at two weeks postinjury: Cognitive Reserve (Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire) Posttraumatic complaints (Head Injury Symptom Checklist. Outcome at three and six months postinjury. Glasgow Outcome Scale-extended to assess complete recovery (CR) (GOSE = 8) and incomplete recovery (IR) (GOSE ≤ 7). Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale)
Frailty (Groninger Frailty Index). Three months postinjury, 42% of the elderly reached complete recovery. In a multivariate logistic regression analyses, the presence of CT-abnormalities, increased frailty and posttraumatic complaints at two-weeks postinjury were significant predictors for an unfavourable outcome. Six months postinjury, 50% of the elderly reached complete recovery. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, more severe depression and posttraumatic complaints at two weeks postinjury were significant predictors for unfavourable outcome. This study reveals different types of predictors for recovery in the subacute (3 months) and chronic phase (6 months) following mTBI in elderly patients. In the subacute phase, physical impairments play a significant role, as evidenced by the predictive power of especially frailty. This emphasizes the importance of addressing physical aspects during initial interventions. Conversely, in the chronic phase, psychological factors take on a more pivotal role. Depression, emerges as a key predictor, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health assessments during extended recovery. These findings underscore the evolving nature of mTBI recovery in elderly and emphasize the importance of tailored interventions addressing both physical and psychological components for optimal patient care.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 27-Sept-2023 |
| Event | 8th Scientific Meeting of the Federation of the European Societies of Neuropsychology - Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece Duration: 27-Sept-2023 → 29-Sept-2023 Conference number: 8 |
Conference
| Conference | 8th Scientific Meeting of the Federation of the European Societies of Neuropsychology |
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| Abbreviated title | FESN |
| Country/Territory | Greece |
| City | Thessaloniki |
| Period | 27/09/2023 → 29/09/2023 |