A prospective cohort study investigating contributors to mild cognitive impairment in adults with spinal cord injury: study protocol

BMC Neurology, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01899-7 · Published: August 23, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Neurology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study aims to understand why some people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition affecting memory and thinking skills. The researchers will follow a group of adults with recent SCI over a year to identify factors that contribute to MCI. The study will look at various factors, including medical history, psychological well-being, and the presence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), to see how they might impact cognitive function in people with SCI. By understanding the different types and causes of MCI in SCI, the researchers hope to develop better ways to identify and help those at risk.

Study Duration

12 months

Participants

Approximately 100 individuals aged 17–80 years with acute SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study aims to determine the rate of MCI in adults with SCI, including MCI sub-types: single domain amnestic, multiple domain amnestic, single domain non-amnestic, and multiple domain non-amnestic.
2
The study will identify predictors of MCI (e.g., mood disturbance, polypharmacy, presence of TBI) and moderators of relationships between predictors and MCI (e.g., education, estimated premorbid intelligence, practice effects).
3
The research will investigate how predictors operate over time to influence manifestations and trajectories of MCI (e.g., how depression and/or polypharmacy affect MCI).

Research Summary

This study is a prospective cohort longitudinal study that will investigate factors contributing to cognitive impairment in individuals with SCI across a 12-month period with the incorporation of controls for the effects of TBI. The study will assess approximately 100 individuals aged 17–80 years with acute SCI, with measures taken at three timepoints (baseline, 3 months post-baseline, and 12 months post-injury). The prospective design will reveal change in cognitive functioning across time and unveil different outcome trajectories; thus addressing the lack of knowledge on trajectories of MCI and MCI subtypes in SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved understanding of MCI in SCI

The study will provide insights into the prevalence, subtypes, and predictors of MCI in individuals with SCI.

Development of evidence-based guidelines

The findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for the rehabilitation of individuals with SCI who concurrently have MCI.

Targeted interventions

Identifying risk profiles will allow for targeted interventions to prevent or mitigate cognitive decline in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Insufficient proficiency in English language as exclusion criteria
2
Severe mental and/or physical illness, including severe TBI as exclusion criteria
3
Potential for loss to follow-up despite efforts to minimize it

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