Pattern of cognitive impairment in older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder evaluated at a memory disorders clinic

Background: We determined the pattern of clinically significant cognitive impairment (CI) among older veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) evaluated in a memory disorders clinic. Methods: Data were collected from 19 ethnically diverse veterans. Cognitive functioning in six domains (verbal learning, memory, attention, language, executive functioning, and information processing speed) was assessed. Results: The majority of veterans (57%) demonstrated CI on a measure of single trial list learning, 44% exhibited CI on short delay memory for lists, and 31% exhibited CI in long delay memory for lists. CI on measures of memory for stories (14%) and executive functioning (6%) were less common, and none of the participants demonstrated CI on measures of attention, language, or information processing speed. Conclusions: CI on measures of single trial list learning and memory for lists are common in older patients with PTSD evaluated in a memory disorders clinic and are likely to contribute to functional deficits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.