Impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on subjective and cognitive trajectories of Canadian adults

Project Summary

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a often accompanied by cognitive difficulties, including problems with memory, attention, and decision-making. These cognitive challenges can be assessed either subjectively, through self-reported questionnaires, or objectively, using neuropsychological tests. Previous studies suggest a disconnect between perceived and actual cognitive performance in individuals with PTSD, potentially influenced by specific PTSD symptoms such as hyperarousal or intrusive thoughts. This project will use data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging to explore the relationship between PTSD and cognitive functioning, focusing on the mismatch between subjective and objective measures. By examining how PTSD symptoms impact cognitive performance, this study aims to deepen our understanding of PTSD-related cognitive dysfunction and lay the groundwork for future research into interventions that could reduce cognitive impairments in people with PTSD.