Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Recovery Course and Insights on Early Predictors of Outcome

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a growing health concern in the context of an aging population. Older adults comprise a distinct population, with an increased vulnerability for mTBI due to comorbid diseases and age-associated frailty compared with the adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the recovery course and determinants of outcome in a large cohort of older patients with mTBI. For this study, 154 patients aged ≥60 years with mTBI admitted to the Emergency Department were investigated in a prospective observational cohort (ReCONNECT study). Demographics and injury characteristics (computed tomography scan, Glasgow Coma Scale) were determined on admission. Early determinants of outcome were assessed at 2 weeks post-injury (e.g., early post-traumatic complaints and emotional distress) with validated questionnaires. Quality of life (QoL) was determined at 3 months with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Shortened Version. Functional outcome was determined at 3 (early) and 6 months (long term) post-injury with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE). Logistic regression analyses identified predictors of outcome with dichotomized GOSE scores as dependent variable (incomplete recovery was defined by GOSE ≤ 7 and complete recovery by GOSE 8). Complete recovery was observed in 42% of patients at 3 months post-injury without significant sex differences. More early post-traumatic complaints were present in patients with incomplete recovery, compared with patients with complete recovery (p < 0.001). Scores on overall QoL, general health-related QoL and all subdomains were lower for patients with incomplete recovery compared with patients with complete recovery (p < 0.05). Incomplete recovery at 3 months post-injury was predicted by increased physical frailty and early post-traumatic complaints (Nagelkerke R² = 0.25). At 6 months post-injury, 53% of patients had complete recovery with higher frequency in males (60%) compared with females (42%) (p = 0.025). None of the investigated variables significantly predicted long-term outcome at 6 months post-injury (Nagelkerke R² = 0.14), which might be explained by the changing cohort characteristics over time due to age-related morbidity. Our results demonstrate that almost half of older patients with mTBI show complete recovery with complaints and physical frailty as predictors of outcome at 3 months post-injury. Recovery still improves after 3 months and further follow-up is necessary to identify other factors that are associated with long-term outcomes in this specific category of patients with mTBI. The recovery course in older patients with mTBI is dynamic and further research on factors associated with long-term outcomes in this specific patient population is imperative to enhance treatment strategies.