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Prevalence of low scores in the Uniform Data Set version 3.0: Comparison of older adults with and without a self-reported history of traumatic brain injury

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2025

Charles E. Gaudet Open the ORCID record for Charles E. Gaudet [Opens in a new window] ,
Colleen E. Jackson ,
Breton Asken ,
Monica Ly ,
Caroline Altaras ,
Steve Lenio ,
Jesse Mez  and
Michael L Alosco Open the ORCID record for Michael L Alosco [Opens in a new window]
Charles E. Gaudet*
Affiliation:
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
Colleen E. Jackson
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
Breton Asken
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida and 1Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
Monica Ly
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Boston Medical Center, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
Caroline Altaras
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Boston Medical Center, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
Steve Lenio
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Boston Medical Center, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
Jesse Mez
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Boston Medical Center, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
Michael L Alosco
Affiliation:
Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and CTE Center, Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Boston Medical Center, Neurology, Boston, MA, USA
*
Corresponding author: Charles E. Gaudet; Email: charles.gaudet@va.gov
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Abstract

Objective:

To assess for differences in low score frequency on cognitive testing amongst older adults with and without a self-reported history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) dataset.

Method:

The sample included adults aged 65 or older who completed the Uniform Data Set 3.0 neuropsychological test battery (N = 7,363) and was divided by individuals with and without a history of TBI, as well as cognitive status as measured by the CDR. We compared TBI- and TBI + groups by the prevalence of low scores obtained across testing. Three scores falling at or below the 2nd percentile or four scores at or below the 5th percentile were criteria for an atypical number of low scores. Nonparametric tests assessed associations among low score prevalence and demographics, symptoms of depression, and TBI history.

Results:

Among cognitively normal participants (CDR = 0), older age, male sex and greater levels of depression were associated with low score frequency; among participants with mild cognitive impairment (CDR = 0.5-1), greater levels of depression, shorter duration of time since most recent TBI, and no prior history of TBI were associated with low score frequency.

Conclusions:

Participants with and without a history of TBI largely produced low scores on cognitive testing at similar frequencies. Cognitive status, sex, education, depression, and TBI recency showed variable associations with the number of low scores within subsamples. Future research that includes more comprehensive TBI history is indicated to characterize factors that may modify the association between low scores and TBI history.

Keywords

Brain injuriesTBITBIspsychometricsagedelderly

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , First View , pp. 1 - 10
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of International Neuropsychological Society

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