Examining the effect of PTSD on progression to dementia.

 
   Lead Investigator:    Emma Shapiro
   Institution      :    UT Southwestern Medical Center
   E-Mail           :    emmamshapiro@gmail.com
   Proposal ID      :    850



   Proposal Description:
   The primary goal of the proposed research is to examine the association between   a diagnosis of PTSD and progression to dementia from MCI. This will expand upon   the current research on other risk factors for dementia, looking more             specifically at the effect of PTSD. The purpose of this study is to examine       whether a diagnosis of PTSD significantly increases the risk for progression      from MCI to dementia. Another query of interest is whether those with PTSD who    do progress to dementia are more likely to have an AD vs. a vascular etiology,    given the theoretical conceptualizations of cognitive impairment in PTSD (i.e.    primary neuropathological changes to HPA/cortical stress reactions in addition    to reduced hippocampal size vs. secondary increased health risk factors in        those with PTSD). The method will include a longitudinal design, comparing        subjects with and without a history of PTSD who are diagnosed with Mild           Cognitive Impairment at baseline and comparing to diagnosis at follow-up to see   progression to dementia to determine whether there is a significant difference    in the likelihood of progression from MCI to dementia in those with and without   PTSD. Subjects include adults (male and female) at least 50 years of age, with    and without histories of PTSD. Two time points for both within and between        subjects comparisons include baseline (first assessment dx MCI with/wo PTSD)      and follow-up (last assessment dx MCI, or Dementia with/wo PTSD). Logistic        regression analyses will be used to examine PTSD as a predictor for progressing   from MCI to dementia.