Neuropsychology
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Meta Analysis
Is APOE ε4 associated with poorer cognitive outcome following traumatic brain injury? A meta-analysis.
Cognitive impairment is a common sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, predicting who will experience poorer outcomes remains challenging. A potential risk factor that has gained attention is the APOE gene, with the ε4 allele hypothesized to have a detrimental effect on post-TBI cognitive outcome. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of APOE ε4 both in terms of general cognitive function and within specific domains known to be prone to impairment following TBI (executive function, working memory, verbal memory and visual memory). ⋯ This meta-analysis indicates that APOE ε4 does not have a detrimental effect on cognitive performance following TBI. We propose that the relationship between APOE and cognitive function following TBI is complex, and a more-nuanced exploration of APOE genotypes is needed. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Meta Analysis
A meta-analysis of working memory impairments in survivors of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.
To establish the magnitude of deficits in working memory (WM) and short-term memory (STM) in those with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) relative to age-matched, healthy controls and to explore the moderating effects of time since injury and age at injury on these impairments. ⋯ Evidence for WM impairments following TBI is consistent with previous research. Larger verbal STM and verbal WM deficits were related to a longer time postinjury, suggesting that these aspects of memory do not "recover" over time and instead, individuals might show increased rates of cognitive decline. Age at injury was associated with the severity of verbal WM impairments, with larger deficits evident for injuries that occurred later in life. Further research needs to chart the long-term effects of TBI on WM and to compare the effects of injury on verbal relative to visuospatial memory. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) are a set of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that often follow mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Some of these symptoms also occur in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study examined the unique contribution of mTBI and PTSD to PPCS. The roles of neurocognitive and motivational factors were also addressed. ⋯ These findings underscore the importance of emotional status in the diagnosis of PPCS among children who suffer from PTSD. It is possible that PPCS reflect a more general expression of accident-related emotional distress, rather than being a direct result of the injury. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) may affect children's ability to perform everyday tasks (i.e., adaptive functioning). Guided by the American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) model, we explored the association between TBI and adaptive functioning at increasing levels of specificity (global, AAIDD domains, and subscales). We also examined the contributions of executive function and processing speed as mediators of TBI's effects on adaptive functioning. ⋯ Children with STBI experience deficits in adaptive functioning, particularly in social adjustment, with less pronounced deficits in conceptual and practical skills. Executive function and processing speed may mediate the effects of STBI on adaptive functioning. Targeting adaptive functioning and associated cognitive deficits for intervention may enhance quality of life for pediatric TBI survivors. (PsycINFO Database Record