Conference Proceedings

2007 Psychobiology 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting

Conference Venue: Low Wood Hotel, Lake Windermere
Psychobiology Section

From: 03 Sep 2007
To: 05 Sep 2007

 
Poster(s)

Cognitive reserve as a protector in traumatic brain injury

C. Loveday
University of Westminster


The consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are complex and often unpredictable.  While one person with severe trauma may show remarkable recovery, another with apparently mild trauma may go on to show marked impairments in cognitive functioning and quality of life.  Outcome is clearly dependent on a range of factors, all of which interact with each other: nature and extent of brain injury, degree of cognitive impairment, current and past emotional status, and a number of premorbid factors. The relationship between brain injury and cognitive impairment is well-established but studies continue to show discrepancies. A newer area of study in TBI patients is how these factors may relate to overall quality of life (QoL). We report on an ongoing study that specifically investigates how QoL and rehabilitation success relate to brain injury, neuropsychological functioning and premorbid status in a group of 60 TBI patients attending a multi-disciplinary out-patient follow-up clinic.  Initial findings suggest that some aspects of cognitive impairment have a greater impact than others and that premorbid IQ may play an important part in QoL after a TBI.