Work

A pilot study of neuropsychological testing in a civilian traumatic brain injury clinic: Neurocognitive profiles, temporal trends and cognitive screening

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This exploratory pilot study examined the prevalence of neurocognitive disorder and differences in neuropsychological battery components following traumatic brain injury (TBI), while characterizing real-world delivery of cognitive testing and longitudinal screening trends in an outpatient TBI clinic. Fifty-four patients with TBI and cognitive symptoms were referred for standardized neuropsychological evaluation; 31 completed testing, and 24 met inclusion criteria.One-third (8/24) were diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder. Compared to those without a cognitive disorder, affected patients scored lower on the Working Memory Index (90.57 vs 102.75, p = .042), Processing Speed Index (81.88 vs 103.31, p = .002), and Trail Making Test–A percentiles (13.00 vs 38.67, p = .040). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were also lower in the neurocognitive disorder group (23.60 vs 27.17, p = .010). Higher body mass index (31.43 vs 24.30, p = .007) and lower Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended scores (4.88 vs 5.88, p = .047) were observed in the cognitive-disorder group. No differences in sex, race, education, or insurance status were found between those who completed testing and those lost to follow-up.Testing occurred a median of 17 months post-injury with 43% attrition, underscoring challenges to timely comprehensive assessment even in a specialized clinic. Serial MoCA tracking showed that 55% (11/21) of mild TBI patients improved over six months, yet 50% (12/24) remained below the impairment threshold (<26). The MoCA differentiated diagnostic groups and detected change over time, supporting its role as a pragmatic screening and monitoring tool. Processing speed and working memory differences warrant confirmation in larger studies.

Source: Applied Neuropsychology Adult

DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2026.2650808