Traumatic exposures, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive functioning in World Trade Center responders
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study examined whether World Trade Center (WTC)-related exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with cognitive function and whether WTC responders' cognition differed from normative data. METHODS: A computer-assisted neuropsychological battery was administered to a prospective cohort study of 1193 WTC responders with no history of stroke or WTC-related head injuries. Data were linked to information collected prospectively since 2002. Sample averages were compared to published norms. RESULTS: Approximately 14.8% of sampled responders had cognitive dysfunction. WTC responders had worse cognitive function compared to normative data. PTSD symptom severity and working >5 weeks on-site was associated with lower cognition. DISCUSSION: Results from this sample highlight the potential for WTC responders to be experiencing an increased burden of cognitive dysfunction and linked lowered cognitive functioning to physical exposures and to PTSD. Future research is warranted to understand the extent to which cognitive dysfunction is evident in neural dysfunction.
Institutions: Stony Brook University, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Yale University, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, Boston University, VA Boston Healthcare System
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
OpenAlex ID: W2766267065