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Influence of blast exposure on cognitive functioning in combat veterans
Sarah L Martindale1, Anna S Ord2, Jared A Rowland2
1Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MA-MIRECC), Research & Academic Affairs Service Line, W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System.
Neuropsychology
|July 17, 2020
Summary
Blast exposure severity worsened cognitive deficits in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This suggests that blast exposure can impact attention and lead to lasting cognitive issues in veterans with TBI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Military Medicine
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in military veterans.
- The specific impact of blast-pressure severity on cognitive function, independent of PTSD and TBI severity, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the unique contribution of blast-pressure severity to cognitive functioning.
- To determine if blast-pressure severity influences cognitive outcomes beyond PTSD and TBI severity.
Main Methods:
- 254 Post-9/11 veterans completed cognitive assessments (WAIS-IV, TMT).
- PTSD, TBI, and blast exposure history/severity were evaluated using standardized clinical interviews and assessments.
Main Results:
- Mild TBI was associated with lower scores on cognitive tests measuring verbal comprehension, working memory, processing speed, and attention (TMT-A, TMT-B).
- Blast-pressure severity moderated the relationship between mild TBI and performance on the TMT-A, indicating an exacerbation of attention deficits with increased blast severity.
Conclusions:
- Blast-pressure severity intensifies the negative cognitive effects of mild TBI, particularly on attention.
- Veterans with TBI and blast exposure may face persistent cognitive challenges due to impaired attention.
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