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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Subjective cognitive complaints and decline among aging individuals with prior repetitive head impact exposure
Anna Aaronson1, Monica T Ly1,2, Yorghos Tripodis1,3
1Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and CTE Center Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts USA.
Introduction:
Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) can precede Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. SCC in the absence of objective impairment is termed subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This study aimed to characterize SCC and SCD among a sample of aging individuals with and without prior repetitive head impact (RHI) exposure, the former of whom are at risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Methods:
RHI-exposed (N = 167) and non-RHI-exposed (N = 317) Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) participants and their informants completed subjective measures assessing memory and executive function. Participants completed objective tests of these domains.
Results:
RHI exposure was associated with greater self- and informant-reported SCC and with over four-fold increased odds of SCD among cognitively unimpaired participants (odds ratio = 4.10, p < 0.001). SCC was associated with objective measures in RHI and non-RHI participants.
Discussion:
Among RHI-exposed individuals, SCC align with objective cognitive performance. SCD warrants investigation as potential early indicator of RHI-related neuropathologies.
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