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Updated: May 26, 2026

Developing Neuroimaging Phenotypes of the Default Mode Network in PTSD: Integrating the Resting State, Working Memory, and Structural Connectivity
Published on: July 1, 2014
Pattern of cognitive impairment in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder evaluated at a memory disorders
R Scott Mackin1, Julia A Lesselyong, Kristine Yaffe
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. ScottM@lppi.ucsf.edu
Background:
We determined the pattern of clinically significant cognitive impairment (CI) among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated in a memory disorders clinic.
Methods:
Data were collected from 19 ethnically diverse veterans. Cognitive functioning in six domains (verbal learning, memory, attention, language, executive functioning, and information processing speed) was assessed.
Results:
The majority of veterans (57%) demonstrated CI on a measure of single trial list learning, 44% exhibited CI on short delay memory for lists, and 31% exhibited CI in long delay memory for lists. CI on measures of memory for stories (14%) and executive functioning (6%) were less common, and none of the participants demonstrated CI on measures of attention, language, or information processing speed.
Conclusions:
CI on measures of single trial list learning and memory for lists are common in older patients with PTSD evaluated in a memory disorders clinic and are likely to contribute to functional deficits.
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