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Logue E, Hilsabeck RC, Melamed E. Gender differences in the associations of psychosocial trauma and acute medical stressors with immune system activation and dementia risk. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:1313-1333. [PMID: 38567869 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2024.2335115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide a narrative review synthesizing the literature on differences between women and men in relationships among certain stressors associated with immune system activation and their relationship to cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Method: We review the cycle of stress leading to neuroinflammation via cortisol and neurochemical alterations, cell-mediated immune system activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and how this is implicated in the development of dementia. We follow this by discussing sex differences in stress physiology and immune function. We then review the work on early life adversity (ELA) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), post-traumatic stress disorder, acute medical stressors, and their associations with cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Throughout, we emphasize women's presentations and issues unique to women (e.g. trauma disorder prevalence). Conclusions: There is a need for more mechanistic and longitudinal studies that consider trauma accumulation, both physical and emotional, as well as a greater focus on traumas more likely to occur in women (e.g. sexual abuse), and their relationship to early cognitive decline and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Logue
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Robin C Hilsabeck
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Esther Melamed
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Guo J, Orgeta V, Olivé I, Hoff E, Huntley J, Olff M, Sobczak S. Biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review of current evidence. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102198. [PMID: 38237700 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed at synthesizing current evidence on biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted for studies assessing biomarkers associated with CI in PTSD. RESULTS Of the 10,149 titles screened, 8 studies met our inclusion criteria. In a single longitudinal study, MRI volumes, Aβ and tau accumulation were not associated with CI in PTSD. Studies on structural imaging reported no significant association between morphological changes and CI. Two studies on diffusion neuroimaging showed abnormalities in white matter tracts which were cross-sectionally associated with CI in PTSD. Similarly, lower resting-state functional connectivity in neocortical networks, and elevated tau in the neocortex were also cross sectionally associated with CI. Two single studies on biochemical biomarkers showed that sixteen novel plasma proteins and lower BDNF, indicative of genetic vulnerabilities associated with neural and synaptic dysfunctions commonly observed in neurodegeneration, were cross-sectionally associated with CI in PTSD. Overall, evidence is of low quality. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal research utilizing large representative samples of trauma exposed populations are needed to establish the utility of specific biomarkers in monitoring cognitive decline in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junling Guo
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vasiliki Orgeta
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Isadora Olivé
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Hoff
- Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, Sittard, the Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Huntley
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, & Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjacko Sobczak
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Mondriaan Mental Health Center, Heerlen, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), Research Center Innovations in Care, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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3
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Mueller SG. Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Their Influence on Development and Pattern of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in Later Life. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1427-1441. [PMID: 38552112 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are potential risk factors for the development of dementia including Alzheimer's disease (AD) in later life. The findings of studies investigating this question are inconsistent though. Objective To investigate if these inconsistencies are caused by the existence of subgroups with different vulnerability for AD pathology and if these subgroups are characterized by atypical tau load/atrophy pattern. Methods The MRI and PET data of 89 subjects with or without previous TBI and/or PTSD from the DoD ADNI database were used to calculate an age-corrected gray matter tau mismatch metric (ageN-T mismatch-score and matrix) for each subject. This metric provides a measure to what degree regional tau accumulation drives regional gray matter atrophy (matrix) and can be used to calculate a summary score (score) reflecting the severity of AD pathology in an individual. Results The ageN-T mismatch summary score was positively correlated with whole brain beta-amyloid load and general cognitive function but not with PTSD or TBI severity. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified five different spatial patterns of tau-gray matter interactions. These clusters reflected the different stages of the typical AD tau progression pattern. None was exclusively associated with PTSD and/or TBI. Conclusions These findings suggest that a) although subsets of patients with PTSD and/or TBI develop AD-pathology, a history of TBI or PTSD alone or both is not associated with a significantly higher risk to develop AD pathology in later life. b) remote TBI or PTSD do not modify the typical AD pathology distribution pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne G Mueller
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Alves de Araujo Junior D, Sair HI, Peters ME, Carvalho AF, Yedavalli V, Solnes LB, Luna LP. The association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cognitive impairment: A systematic review of neuroimaging findings. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:259-269. [PMID: 37390621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase the risk of various types of dementia. Despite the large number of studies linking these critical conditions, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The past decade has witnessed an exponential increase in interest on brain imaging research to assess the neuroanatomical underpinnings of PTSD. This systematic review provides a critical assessment of available evidence of neuroimaging correlates linking PTSD to a higher risk of dementia. METHODS The EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and SCOPUS electronic databases were systematically searched from 1980 to May 22, 2021 for original references on neuroimaging correlates of PTSD and risk of dementia. Literature search, screening of references, methodological quality appraisal of included articles as well as data extractions were independently conducted by at least two investigators. Eligibility criteria included: 1) a clear PTSD definition; 2) a subset of included participants must have developed dementia or cognitive impairment at any time point after the diagnosis of PTSD through any diagnostic criteria; and 3) brain imaging protocols [structural, molecular or functional], including whole-brain morphologic and functional MRI, and PET imaging studies linking PTSD to a higher risk of cognitive impairment/dementia. RESULTS Overall, seven articles met eligibility criteria, comprising findings from 366 participants with PTSD. Spatially convergent structural abnormalities in individuals with PTSD and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction involved primarily the bilateral frontal (e.g., prefrontal, orbitofrontal, cingulate cortices), temporal (particularly in those with damage to the hippocampi), and parietal (e.g., superior and precuneus) regions. LIMITATIONS A meta-analysis could not be performed due to heterogeneity and paucity of measurable data in the eligible studies. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review provides putative neuroimaging correlates associated with PTSD and co-occurring dementia/cognitive impairment particularly involving the hippocampi. Further research examining neuroimaging features linking PTSD to dementia are clearly an unmet need of the field. Future imaging studies should provide a better control for relevant confounders, such as the selection of more homogeneous samples (e.g., age, race, education), a proper control for co-occurring disorders (e.g., co-occurring major depressive and anxiety disorders) as well as the putative effects of psychotropic medication use. Furthermore, prospective studies examining imaging biomarkers associated with a higher rate of conversion from PTSD to dementia could aid in the stratification of people with PTSD at higher risk for developing dementia for whom putative preventative interventions could be especially beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haris I Sair
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew E Peters
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - André F Carvalho
- IMPACT (Innovation in Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Treatment) Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Vivek Yedavalli
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lilja B Solnes
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Licia P Luna
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cummins TL, Doré V, Feizpour A, Krishnadas N, Bourgeat P, Elias A, Lamb F, Williams R, Hopwood M, Landau S, Villemagne VL, Weiner M, Rowe CC. Tau, β-Amyloid, and Glucose Metabolism Following Service-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Vietnam War Veterans: The Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle Study of Aging-Veterans Study (AIBL-VETS). J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:1086-1097. [PMID: 36855333 PMCID: PMC10398748 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among military veterans and has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. It is unclear if this is due to increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) or other mechanisms. This case control study sought evidence for AD, as defined by the 2018 National Institute on Aging - Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) research framework, by measuring tau, β-amyloid, and glucose metabolism using positron emission tomography (PET) in veterans with service-related TBI. Seventy male Vietnam war veterans-40 with TBI (age 68.0 ± 2.5 years) and 30 controls (age 70.1 ± 5.3 years)-with no prior diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment underwent β-amyloid (18F-Florbetaben), tau (18F-Flortaucipir), and fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET. The TBI cohort included 15 participants with mild, 16 with moderate, and nine with severe injury. β-Amyloid level was calculated using the Centiloid (CL) method and tau was measured by standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) using the cerebellar cortex as reference region. Analyses were adjusted for age and APOE-e4. The findings were validated in an independent cohort from the Department of Defense-Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (DOD ADNI) study. There were no significant nor trending differences in β-amyloid or tau levels or 18F-FDG uptake between the TBI and control groups before and after controlling for covariates. The β-amyloid and tau findings were replicated in the DOD ADNI validation cohort and persisted when the Australian Imaging Biomarkers and Lifestyle study of aging-Veterans study (AIBL-VETS) and DOD ADNI cohorts were combined (114 TBI vs. 87 controls in total). In conclusion, no increase in the later life accumulation of the neuropathological markers of AD in veterans with a remote history of TBI was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tia L. Cummins
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent Doré
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Australian eHealth Research Centre, CSIRO, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Azadeh Feizpour
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha Krishnadas
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pierrick Bourgeat
- The Australian eHealth Research Centre, CSIRO, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alby Elias
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Lamb
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert Williams
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Brain Center Imaging Unit, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm Hopwood
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Landau
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Victor L. Villemagne
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Weiner
- University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Christopher C. Rowe
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Center for PET, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT), Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Prieto S, Nolan KE, Moody JN, Hayes SM, Hayes JP. Posttraumatic stress symptom severity predicts cognitive decline beyond the effect of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in Veterans. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:102. [PMID: 36990983 PMCID: PMC10060413 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is a risk factor for dementia but whether it explains unique variance in cognitive decline in older adults above Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers is unknown. In a preclinical cohort of Vietnam Veterans, we examined the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, AD biomarkers of beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau, and change in cognitive performance on two widely-used screeners, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Analyses indicated that PTSD symptom severity was associated with a greater decline on the MMSE (p < 0.04) and MoCA (p < 0.024) after adjusting for biomarkers of AD, notably on the attention scale of the MoCA and the memory index of the MMSE. These analyses survived multiple comparison corrections. Taken together, PTSD symptom severity is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. Treating PTSD should be considered instrumental to maintaining cognitive function as adults age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Prieto
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kate E Nolan
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jena N Moody
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Scott M Hayes
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Chronic Brain Injury Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jasmeet P Hayes
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Chronic Brain Injury Initiative, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Weiner MW, Harvey D, Landau SM, Veitch DP, Neylan TC, Grafman JH, Aisen PS, Petersen RC, Jack CR, Tosun D, Shaw LM, Trojanowski JQ, Saykin AJ, Hayes J, De Carli C. Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder are not associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology measured with biomarkers. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:884-895. [PMID: 35768339 PMCID: PMC10269599 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidemiological studies report an association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the association between TBI/PTSD and biomarker-defined AD. METHODS We identified 289 non-demented veterans with TBI and/or PTSD and controls who underwent clinical evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau positron emission tomography, and apolipoprotein E testing. Participants were followed for up to 5.2 years. RESULTS Exposure groups (TBI, PTSD, and TBI + PTSD) had higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI: P < .0001) and worse Mini-Mental State Examination scores (PTSD: P = .008; TBI & PTSD: P = .009) than controls. There were no significant differences in other cognitive scores, MRI volumes, Aβ or tau accumulation, or in most longitudinal measures. DISCUSSION TBI and/or PTSD were not associated with elevated AD biomarkers. The poorer cognitive status of exposed veterans may be due to other comorbid pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Weiner
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Danielle Harvey
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Susan M Landau
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Dallas P Veitch
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco, California, USA
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jordan H Grafman
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul S Aisen
- Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Clifford R Jack
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Duygu Tosun
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Leslie M Shaw
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Research, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John Q Trojanowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Neurodegenerative Research, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences and Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacqueline Hayes
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco, California, USA
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Charles De Carli
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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8
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Marcolini S, Rojczyk P, Seitz-Holland J, Koerte IK, Alosco ML, Bouix S. Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury: Cognition, Behavior, and Neuroimaging Markers in Vietnam Veterans. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:1427-1448. [PMID: 37694363 PMCID: PMC10578246 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common in Veterans and linked to behavioral disturbances, increased risk of cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE We studied the synergistic effects of PTSD and TBI on behavioral, cognitive, and neuroimaging measures in Vietnam war Veterans. METHODS Data were acquired at baseline and after about one-year from male Veterans categorized into: PTSD, TBI, PTSD+TBI, and Veteran controls without PTSD or TBI. We applied manual tractography to examine white matter microstructure of three fiber tracts: uncinate fasciculus (N = 91), cingulum (N = 87), and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (N = 95). ANCOVAs were used to compare Veterans' baseline behavioral and cognitive functioning (N = 285), white matter microstructure, amyloid-β (N = 230), and tau PET (N = 120). Additional ANCOVAs examined scores' differences from baseline to follow-up. RESULTS Veterans with PTSD and PTSD+TBI, but not Veterans with TBI only, exhibited poorer behavioral and cognitive functioning at baseline than controls. The groups did not differ in baseline white matter, amyloid-β, or tau, nor in behavioral and cognitive functioning, and tau accumulation change. Progression of white matter abnormalities of the uncinate fasciculus in Veterans with PTSD compared to controls was observed; analyses in TBI and PTSD+TBI were not run due to insufficient sample size. CONCLUSIONS PTSD and PTSD+TBI negatively affect behavioral and cognitive functioning, while TBI does not contribute independently. Whether progressive decline in uncinate fasciculus microstructure in Veterans with PTSD might account for cognitive decline should be further studied. Findings did not support an association between PTSD, TBI, and Alzheimer's disease pathology based on amyloid and tau PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Marcolini
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Philine Rojczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Seitz-Holland
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Inga K. Koerte
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- cBRAIN, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany
| | - Michael L. Alosco
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Boston University CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvain Bouix
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Software Engineering and Information Technology, École de Technologie Supe´rieure, Montre´al, Canada
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9
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Abstract
Several studies have investigated the risk of dementia in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a varying methodology. Epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of dementia with PTSD in Vietnam veterans as well as the general population. Laboratory studies reported the accelerated formation of β-amyloid and tau, which represent the primary pathology of Alzheimer's dementia in animal models of PTSD. These investigations were conducted against a background of cognitive impairment and atrophy of the hippocampus and certain cortical areas in patients with PTSD. Very few studies have investigated the pathological basis in humans for the reported association of PTSD with dementia. This important gap in the literature has recently been partly addressed by very few studies that estimated the burden of β-amyloid and tau. The PET studies did not show an association between PTSD and the specific pathology of Alzheimer's disease or signs of neurodegenerative diseases underlying other dementia syndromes. Another study demonstrated decreased plasma β-amyloid load and increased plasma β-amyloid 42/40 ratio in PTSD without PET evaluation. While PTSD is associated with an increased risk of dementia syndrome in general, there is no convincing evidence that it causes or accelerates the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, which causes the most common type of dementia. Factors that may account for the association between PTSD and a clinical diagnosis of dementia are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alby Elias
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Rowe
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm Hopwood
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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