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Assessment and Treatment of Older Adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Traumatic Brain Injury

Part of the book series: Clinical Handbooks in Neuropsychology ((CHNEURO))

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Abstract

In this chapter, we present special considerations when evaluating the older adult patient with TBI. First, we discuss critical information that should be obtained regarding the patient’s preinjury cognitive and functional status as well as medical comorbidities and medications, because all of these can affect the neurobehavioral profile. We then review common clinical issues that arise when interpreting the neuropsychological findings and rendering a diagnostic impression. The potential impact of a previous TBI sustained years ago as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease will also be covered. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of potential postinjury influences on outcome, and the types of recommendations that should be considered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychology Program, Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine and Wesley Woods Center on Aging, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Felicia C. Goldstein Ph.D., ABPP-Cn

  2. Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Harvey S. Levin Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Felicia C. Goldstein Ph.D., ABPP-Cn
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Correspondence to Felicia C. Goldstein Ph.D., ABPP-Cn .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. TIRR Memorial Hermann, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA

    Mark Sherer

  2. Baylor College of Medicine/Harris Health System, Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, Texas, USA

    Angelle M. Sander

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Goldstein, F.C., Levin, H.S. (2014). Assessment and Treatment of Older Adults with Traumatic Brain Injuries. In: Sherer, M., Sander, A. (eds) Handbook on the Neuropsychology of Traumatic Brain Injury. Clinical Handbooks in Neuropsychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0784-7_17

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