VIDEO: Trauma exposure increases risk for depression, cognitive impairment in older adults

Adults older than 60 years have significantly worse cognition and higher depression after experiencing moderate to severe trauma, according to research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and School of Nursing conducted a study of nearly 5,000 older adults (mean age, 71.5 years; 58.4% women) who experienced childhood or adult trauma, 20% of whom were exposed to family life-threatening events.

“Those who experienced moderate- and high-level trauma had significantly worse cognitive functioning and higher rates of depressive symptoms,” Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor of nursing at the university, said in this Healio video. “These findings highlight the need for clinicians to understand the role of prior trauma exposure as a risk factor for late-life depression and late-life cognitive impairment.”

She added that the research suggests “early prevention and intervention programs should be a priority for public health, particularly when we think about improving family functioning, addressing the risks for abuse and neglect in childhood, and addressing parental substance abuse.”