World first research to develop cognitive impairment guidelines after spinal cord injury A team of researchers from the Kolling Institute’s John Walsh Centre for
Professor of Rehabilitation Ashley Craig said the centre was just completing the first study conducted anywhere internationally that has assessed cognitive function in adults with a spinal cord injury from soon after their injury in the acute stage, until their discharge from rehabilitation up to 12 months post injury. “Our research found that at least 30 per cent of adults with a spinal cord injury had at least mild cognitive impairment, and that this impairment was identified as a major risk factor for the development of mental health disorders like depressive mood and anxiety,” he said. “This is very concerning given that this may result, not only in a higher risk of a mental health disorder, but also an increased risk of secondary health conditions like chronic pain, skin problems and respiratory infections.” The team has now begun research to develop a new framework for cognitive screening, which will involve sensitive and valid cognitive assessment tools. “This is an important body of work which will build on our prior research to validate the cognitive domain areas we have previously identified that affect most adults with spinal cord injury.”
Rehabilitation Research has launched a study to develop the first internationally accepted guidelines for assessing cognitive function after a spinal cord injury. The latest data indicates that over 15 million people globally live with a spinal cord injury, and in Australia, there are over 20,000 people living with the injury. There are around 300-400 new cases of this injury every year in Australia. The devastating physical impact of these injuries has been extensively studied from the loss of motor control (such as paralysis) to pain and sensory issues, and the significant problems with cardiovascular and respiratory function. However, the psychological and cognitive impacts of this severe neurological injury have not been as well understood, such as the extent of cognitive impairment and mental health disorders over time. There is now a growing body of evidence around the psychosocial consequences of a spinal cord injury, with new studies highlighting a concerning trend.
Professor Ashley Craig and Dr Ilaria Pozzato
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