Traumatic exposures, posttraumatic stress disorder, and cognitive functioning in World Trade Center responders.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This study examined whether World Trade Center (WTC)-related exposures and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were associated with cognitive function and whether WTC responders' cognition differed from normative data.

Methods

A computer-assisted neuropsychological battery was administered to a prospective cohort study of 1193 WTC responders with no history of stroke or WTC-related head injuries. Data were linked to information collected prospectively since 2002. Sample averages were compared to published norms.

Results

Approximately 14.8% of sampled responders had cognitive dysfunction. WTC responders had worse cognitive function compared to normative data. PTSD symptom severity and working >5 weeks on-site was associated with lower cognition.

Discus

SUBMITTER: Clouston S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5700827 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature