Association of lifetime traumatic events and mild Neurocognitive Disorder in old age

Objectives The evidence on the association between lifetime traumatic events (LTE) and the occurrence of cognitive changes and dementia is heterogeneous and often based on studies in high-risk populations. Using data from a German population-based study, this study examines whether there is a connection between LTE and experiences of abuse (CA) and neglect (CN) in childhood with mild Neurocognitive Disorder (miNCD) in old age. Methods 889 participants were included in the analysis. The trauma list of the PTSD module of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SKID-I) and the Childhood Trauma Screener (CTS) were used to record LTE. miNCD was diagnosed using a neurocognitive test battery according to DSM-5 criteria. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to examine the extent to which the presence LTE is related to the presence of miNCD. Results In the sample 31.0% reported at least one LTE, 30.3% reported CN and 13.2% reported CA. 19.1% met the criteria for miNCD. Four models were tested, including age, gender and educational level as possible confounding variables. Model 1 examined whether LTE (yes/no) was associated with miNCD in old age. Model 2 tested whether the number of LTE was related to miNCD. Model 3 tested whether CN was related to miNCD, and model 4 tested whether CA was related to miNCD. None of the models showed a significant effect of the investigated variables on the occurrence of miNCD. Discussion International studies show indications of a correlation between TLE, CN, CA and miNCD, but there is a lack of corresponding studies in Germany. Despite methodological strengths (standardized recording of all variables, population-based study), our analysis found no correlations. Maybe study requirements led to a positive selection of healthy older people. Nevertheless, LTE, CA and CN were not underrepresented. The results contradict those in high-risk populations, but are consistent with more recent population-based studies that find no associations. Conclusion In the wider population, the investigated link does not appear to be as clearly demonstrable as in populations with high traumatic burden, such as veterans, which seems reassuring news given that LTE are risk factors for numerous comorbidities that could then play a role in the development of the cognitive changes.