Examining the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Among People with Spinal Cord Injury: A Mixed-Methods Study Comparing Veterans and Civilians
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is often associated with life-long debilitating consequences that negatively impact quality of life. With advances in healthcare, life expectancy for people afflicted with TSCI has increased substantially. While aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD), new evidence on higher likelihood for developing ADRD after TSCI is emerging. In particular, during our recent study of commercially insured individuals with TSCI in the United States, we found that people with TSCI had an elevated risk for ADRD compared to a matched cohort of the general population without disability. Yet there is a scarcity of epidemiological studies examining associations between TSCI and ADRD and use of services that may ameliorate this risk. Given that the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is known as the largest and most comprehensive system of care in the U.S., it is imperative to examine the composite of protective effects conferred by therapeutics and lifestyle on incident ADRD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1194079
Entities
People
- Elham Mahmoudi
Organizations
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan