Research
Lifetime trauma linked to dementia and memory problems in older Australians, study
The Brief
- A study of more than 1,800 older Australians found that lifetime trauma was associated with higher likelihood of mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
- People with lifetime trauma performed worse on working memory and executive function tests.
- The article reports an association; it does not establish that trauma causes these conditions.
Why it matters
The findings add to evidence that past trauma is a risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults, which may matter for how clinicians screen and support older patients.
Who’s affected
- clinicians and researchers in dementia and ageing
- older adults and carers in Australia
The study of more than 1,800 older Australians found that people who had experienced lifetime trauma were more likely to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia and performed worse on working memory and executive function tests.
Timeline
Medical Xpress reports the study findings
Medical Xpress - latest medical and health news stories
Lifetime trauma linked to dementia and memory problems in older Australians, study