Examining associations between concussion history, subjectively experienced memory problems, and general health factors in older men

Abstract

Objective

Examine associations between subjective memory complaints (SMCs), concussion history, and cognitive, psychological, and physical health in older men from the general population.

Method

Participants were 504 men aged 50–79 who were recruited using an online labor market. Participants completed a survey assessing demographics, medication history, concussion history, recent memory problems, and additional aspects of recent cognitive, mental, and physical health.

Results

Men with a lifetime history of ≥3 concussions also reported a lifetime history of being prescribed medication for anxiety (46.8%), depression (43.5%), chronic pain (79.0%), and high blood pressure (66.1%). When asked about symptoms experienced over the past year and the past week, they endorsed higher rates of cognitive and mental health problems, migraines, and difficulties with sleep and fatigue. The multivariable logistic regression model for predicting mild or greater memory problems was significant, χ2(8) = 168.97, p < .001. In unadjusted analyses, significant predictors, in order of magnitude (strongest to weakest), were fatigue (odds ratio [OR] = 3.21), back or neck pain (OR = 2.28), migraines (OR = 2.11), anxiety (OR = 2.07), depression (OR = 2.04), difficulty sleeping (OR = 1.98), and concussion history (OR = 1.49). In the multivariable model, only back or neck pain (OR = 1.51, p = .004) and fatigue (OR = 1.99, p = .004) were significant predictors.

Conclusions

A personal history of multiple concussions was associated with perceived memory problems, but to a lesser degree than fatigue, back or neck pain, and migraines.

Keywords:

• Traumatic brain injury
• aging
• cognition
• subjective cognitive decline
• subjective memory complaints
• survey
• Amazon’s Mechanical Turk

Disclosure statement

Grant Iverson, Ph.D. serves as a scientific advisor for NanoDx™, Sway Operations, LLC, and Highmark, Inc. He has a clinical and consulting practice in forensic neuropsychology, including expert testimony, involving individuals who have sustained mild TBIs. He has received research funding from several test publishing companies, including ImPACT Applications, Inc., CNS Vital Signs, and Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR, Inc.). He has received research funding as a principal investigator from the National Football League, and salary support as a collaborator from the Harvard Integrated Program to Protect and Improve the Health of National Football League Players Association Members. He has received unrestricted philanthropic support from ImPACT Applications, Inc., the Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation, the National Rugby League, and the Spaulding Research Institute.

Funding

This work was supported by philanthropic funds to the Spaulding Research Institute.