April 18, 2019
Survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City have high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a risk factor for cognitive decline. As the cohort ages, World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) data will be used to illustrate the degree to which survivors may be experiencing confusion or memory loss – potential symptoms of cognitive decline. WTCHR staff examined self-reported confusion or memory loss among enrollees with the goal of determining whether higher levels of cognitive reserve (e.g., higher levels of social support, educational attainment) would be protective against these symptoms. Results showed that those with less cognitive reserve were more likely to report confusion or memory loss; these findings were similar regardless of whether or not an enrollee had probable PTSD.
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