scholarly journals The Influence of Family History of Neurodegenerative Disease on Adolescent Concussion Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 528
Author(s):  
Colt A. Coffman ◽  
Adam T. Harrison ◽  
Jacob J. M. Kay ◽  
Jeffrey P. Holloway ◽  
Michael F. LaFountaine ◽  
...  

Evidence suggests that factors associated with a family history of neurodegenerative disease (fhNDD) may influence outcomes following a concussion. However, the relevance of these findings in adolescent populations has not been fully explored. Therefore, the present study sought to evaluate the relationship between fhNDD and neurological outcomes following an adolescent concussion. Data from a local pediatric concussion clinic were used to compare adolescents with (n = 22) and without (n = 44) an fhNDD. Clinical symptom burden, emotional health, cardio-autonomic function, and cognitive performance were assessed at initial (~2 weeks) and follow-up (~5 weeks) post-injury evaluations. Cardio-autonomic function was assessed at rest and during isometric handgrip contraction (IHGC). Results indicated no significant group differences in emotional health or cognitive performance. Across evaluations, those with an fhNDD exhibited greater somatic symptom severity, alterations in HRV at rest, and early blunted cardio-autonomic reactivity during IHGC compared to those without an fhNDD. These findings suggest that positive fhNDD is negatively associated with clinical symptomology and cardio-autonomic functioning following an adolescent concussion. Further, these findings encourage clinicians to utilize a comprehensive neurological evaluation to monitor concussion recovery. Future studies should look into exploring the role of specific neurodegenerative processes and conditions on concussion outcomes in adolescents.

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S7.2-S8
Author(s):  
Colt Coffman ◽  
Jacob Kay ◽  
Adam Harrison ◽  
Jeffery Holloway ◽  
Robert Davis Moore

ObjectiveTo longitudinally evaluate the relation between family history of neurodegenerative disease and clinical symptoms, as well as vestibular-ocular and cognitive outcomes following concussion in children.BackgroundResearch indicates that pediatric concussion may lead to chronic alterations in neuropsychological health that can adversely affect neurodevelopment. Therefore, it is critical to identify risk factors that may moderate recovery to improve concussion outcomes in children. Evidence suggests that one such moderator may be a family history of neurodegenerative disease (FHND).Design/MethodsData were collected from a local pediatric concussion clinic. Patients were examined at 2- and 5-weeks post-injury. Clinical symptoms were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). Vestibular-ocular function was assessed using the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) tool. Cognition was measured using a modified CogState Brain Injury Test Battery. Log-transformations were applied to normalize data. Group differences between those with (n = 13) and without (n = 26) a family history of neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, Non-Alzheimer’s Dementias, Parkinson’s, and/or Multiple Sclerosis) were analyzed. Children without FHND were double-matched based on sex, age, and concussion history.ResultsAcross timepoints, children with FHND reported more severe clinical symptoms on the RPQ (p’s < 0.05). Additionally, those with FHND showed higher VOMS saccades scores across timepoints compared to those without FHND (p’s < 0.05). Further, children with FHND reported greater dizziness following VOMS saccades and convergence tests at 5-weeks post-injury (p’s < 0.01). No group differences at any timepoint were observed for any measure of cognition.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that a family history of neurodegenerative disease is associated with more severe clinical symptoms and greater vestibular-ocular dysfunction following pediatric concussion.


Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S13.2-S14
Author(s):  
Adam Harrison ◽  
Steven Broglio ◽  
R. Davis Moore ◽  
Andrew Lapointe ◽  
Michael McCrea

ObjectiveLongitudinally assess recovery following concussion in male athletes with fhNDD.BackgroundResearch suggests that a family history of neurodegenerative disease (fhNDD) may predispose an athlete to abnormal recovery following brain injury. However, no one has longitudinally assessed recovery following concussion in male athletes with fhNDD.Design/MethodsData from the NCAA-DOD Grand Alliance: Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium were used to compared male athletes with (n = 51) and without (n = 102) a family history of neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia, and Mild Cognitive Impairment). All athletes completed baseline ImPACT assessments prior to the beginning of their sporting season. Athletes that sustained a concussion were then re-evaluated 24-48 hours post-injury, prior to un-restricted return to play (RTP), and again 6 months post-injury. Athletes without fhNDD were double matched based on age, body mass index, sport category, and concussion history.ResultsRepeated measures ANCOVA models were used to evaluate performance at each post-injury timepoint, while controlling for baseline performance. A group × time interaction was observed for visual memory performance. Post-hoc univariate analyses revealed that male athletes with fhNDD demonstrated significantly poorer visual memory performance 24–48 hours post-injury compared to controls (p ≤ 0.005). Additionally, we found a main effect of group for impulse control, indicating that male athletes with fhNDD demonstrated an increase number of impulse errors at all three post-injury evaluations (p ≤ 0.004). We did not to observe any other group differences (p’s > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggest that male athletes with a family history of neurodegenerative disease may exhibit greater post-injury cognitive deficits compared to controls. Additionally, some deficits may persist for at least 6 months post-injury. Further research is warranted to investigate the interaction between family history of neurodegenerative disease and concussion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 524
Author(s):  
Amy Goodwin ◽  
Alexandra Hendry ◽  
Luke Mason ◽  
Tessel Bazelmans ◽  
Jannath Begum Ali ◽  
...  

Mapping infant neurocognitive differences that precede later ADHD-related behaviours is critical for designing early interventions. In this study, we investigated (1) group differences in a battery of measures assessing aspects of attention and activity level in infants with and without a family history of ADHD or related conditions (ASD), and (2) longitudinal associations between the infant measures and preschool ADHD traits at 3 years. Participants (N = 151) were infants with or without an elevated likelihood for ADHD (due to a family history of ADHD and/or ASD). A multi-method assessment protocol was used to assess infant attention and activity level at 10 months of age that included behavioural, cognitive, physiological and neural measures. Preschool ADHD traits were measured at 3 years of age using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Child Behaviour Questionnaire (CBQ). Across a broad range of measures, we found no significant group differences in attention or activity level at 10 months between infants with and without a family history of ADHD or ASD. However, parent and observer ratings of infant activity level at 10 months were positively associated with later preschool ADHD traits at 3 years. Observable behavioural differences in activity level (but not attention) may be apparent from infancy in children who later develop elevated preschool ADHD traits.


2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Klusek ◽  
Amanda Fairchild ◽  
Carly Moser ◽  
Marsha R. Mailick ◽  
Angela John Thurman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Women who carry a premutation allele of the FMR1 gene are at increased vulnerability to an array of age-related symptoms and disorders, including age-related decline in select cognitive skills. However, the risk factors for age-related decline are poorly understood, including the potential role of family history and genetic factors. In other forms of pathological aging, early decline in syntactic complexity is observed and predicts the later onset of neurodegenerative disease. To shed light on the earliest signs of degeneration, the present study characterized longitudinal changes in the syntactic complexity of women with the FMR1 premutation across midlife, and associations with family history of fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and CGG repeat length. Methods Forty-five women with the FMR1 premutation aged 35–64 years at study entry participated in 1–5 longitudinal assessments spaced approximately a year apart (130 observations total). All participants were mothers of children with confirmed fragile X syndrome. Language samples were analyzed for syntactic complexity and participants provided information on family history of FXTAS. CGG repeat length was determined via molecular genetic testing. Results Hierarchical linear models indicated that women who reported a family history of FXTAS exhibited faster age-related decline in syntactic complexity than those without a family history, with that difference emerging as the women reached their mid-50 s. CGG repeat length was not a significant predictor of age-related change. Conclusions Results suggest that women with the FMR1 premutation who have a family history of FXTAS may be at increased risk for neurodegenerative disease, as indicated by age-related loss of syntactic complexity. Thus, family history of FXTAS may represent a personalized risk factor for age-related disease. Follow-up study is needed to determine whether syntactic decline is an early indicator of FXTAS specifically, as opposed to being a more general age-related cognitive decline associated with the FMR1 premutation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-386
Author(s):  
Soumayata Somendra ◽  
◽  
Amit Tak ◽  
Jyotsna Shukla ◽  
Kapil Gupta ◽  
...  

This is a report of 65 years old man with recurrent episodes of dizziness while standing from supine position and history of constipation and nocturia since last 6 months. Patient disclosed no significant past history other than treated pulmonary tuberculosis 5 years back. The general mental state and vital parameters were within normal limits. Autonomic function tests and heart rate variability analysis measured autonomic reactivity and tone respectively. The tests revealed that autonomic dysfunction include severe sympathetic and mild parasympathetic involvement. After exclusion of other possible causes of orthostatic hypertension, diagnosis of pure autonomic failure also known as Bradbury Eggleston syndrome was established. Treatment with fludrocortisones and non-pharmacological interventions improved orthostatic tolerance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (8) ◽  
pp. H816-H822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jody L. Greaney ◽  
Evan L. Matthews ◽  
Megan M. Wenner

Young adults with a family history of hypertension (+FH) have increased risk of developing hypertension. Furthermore, the blood pressure (BP) response to sympathoexcitatory stimuli in young adults can predict the future development of hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized young women with a +FH would have exaggerated cardiovascular and sympathetic reactivity compared with young women without a family history of hypertension (−FH). Beat-by-beat mean arterial pressure (MAP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured in 14 women +FH (22 ± 1 yr, 21 ± 1 kg/m2, MAP 80 ± 2 mmHg) and 15 women −FH (22 ± 1 yr, 22 ± 1 kg/m2, MAP 78 ± 2 mmHg) during acute sympathoexcitatory maneuvers: cold pressor test, 2 min of isometric handgrip (HG) exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, and 3 min of postexercise ischemia (PEI; isolated activation of the skeletal muscle metaboreflex). During cold pressor test, the increase in BP was greater in women +FH (ΔMAP: +FH 16 ± 2 vs. −FH 11 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05), which was accompanied by an exaggerated increase in MSNA (ΔMSNA: +FH 17 ± 2 vs. −FH 8 ± 2 burst/min, P < 0.05). The increase in BP was greater in +FH during the last minute of HG (ΔMAP: +FH 23 ± 3 vs. −FH 12 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05) and during PEI (ΔMAP: +FH 17 ± 3 vs. −FH 9 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05). Similarly, the increase in MSNA was greater in +FH during both HG (ΔMSNA: +FH 12 ± 2 vs. −FH 6 ± 2 burst/min, P < 0.05) and PEI (ΔMSNA: +FH 16 ± 2 vs. −FH 4 ± 2 burst/min, P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that +FH women have greater BP and sympathetic reactivity compared with −FH women.


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Rodríguez

Family history of alcoholism and antisocial behaviour had both independent and synergic negative relationships with abstract verbal reasoning for a group of 42 female polydrug abusers whose main drug was heroin. This finding suggests that the observed lower cognitive performance may reflect the family history of alcoholism or antisocial behaviour rather than just drug abuse and is consistent with theories predicting a relative deficiency in high language skill by persons with antisocial personality disorders.


Author(s):  
Nikita P Rodrigues

We identified easily frustrated (n=9) and less easily frustrated (n=15) infants from a cohort (n=54) of 10-month-olds with and without a family history of ADHD. Categorization into frustration groups was made on the basis of both parents’ report and a laboratory assessment in which they were denied an attractive toy. Easily frustrated infants: 1) showed no significant relationship to having a family history of ADHD; 2) showed differences in frequency of emotion regulation strategies; and 3) showed significant group differences on assessments of cognitive functioning. Results indicate that easily frustrated infants are not regulating attention well and that better measures of cognitive functioning in relation to effortful control may better show group differences.


Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (14 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S23.1-S23
Author(s):  
Tara Sharma ◽  
Julia Kerrigan ◽  
David McArthur ◽  
Thomas McAllister ◽  
Michael McCrea ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo determine if there is a relationship between concussion recovery and airplane travel soon after injury in collegiate athletes and military cadets.BackgroundConcussions are a common occurrence in young athletes. Very few studies have examined how flying may influence the clinical progression of a concussive injury.Design/MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study comprised of 3480 college athletes and cadets with concussion obtained from the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium and divided in two groups: those who flew and those who did not fly after concussion. Those with unknown flight status were excluded. Demographics between groups were compared using Chi Square analysis. Symptom burden was calculated by subtracting baseline Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3) symptom scores from the post-injury score after flying. Significance between outcome measures and flight status were evaluated using a paired t-test. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if number of time zones crossed during flight influenced outcomes.Results165 athletes flew 31.8 ± 52.3 [SD] hours after injury, 2235 athletes did not fly, and 1080 had unknown flight status. There were no significant study group differences for age, sex, sport, history of prior concussion, and history of headache. No significant group differences were found in days to return to unrestricted play (p = 0.11), days after injury to start graded exertion (p = 0.50), duration of concussion symptoms (p = 0.23), days until return to normal academic performance (p = 0.75), and symptom burden (p = 0.47). Number of time zones crossed did not affect any outcomes.ConclusionsAirplane travel early after concussion did not significantly affect recovery or severity of concussion symptoms in college athletes and cadets. Further studies need to investigate the possible effects of flying more acutely after injury. These data may help guide future recommendations on flight travel after concussion in athletes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document