Functional Recovery in Older Adults Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Strategic Insights -

Research has shown that older adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) experience prolonged and incomplete recovery, often going undetected by traditional outcome measures. A systematic review of 18 studies involving 3549 participants found that fewer than half of older adults regained full functional independence by 6 months, and many had persistent mood symptoms and cognitive deficits up to 1 year. The study highlights the need for comprehensive geriatric assessment and interdisciplinary follow-up to tailor rehabilitation strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 18 observational studies with 3549 participants, aged 65 years or older, who experienced mild traumatic brain injury.
  • By 6 months post-injury, fewer than half of the older adults regained full functional independence, with 66% experiencing persistent impairments in activity and participation.
  • Approximately 24% of the participants experienced at least mild depression, and 9% had moderate-to-severe anxiety.
  • Cognitive recovery was heterogeneous, with residual deficits in processing speed, memory, and executive function.
  • Standard global measures, such as the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE), frequently failed to detect domain-specific impairments, especially in psychosocial and cognitive domains.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of multidimensional assessment and follow-up in older adults with mTBI, particularly those with frailty and multimorbidity.
  • Future research should include adults aged 80 years, adopt multidimensional tools, and extend follow-up to better guide tailored rehabilitation strategies.

Statistics:

  • 66% of older adults with mTBI experienced persistent impairments in activity and participation by 6 months post-injury.
  • 24% of participants experienced at least mild depression.
  • 9% of participants had moderate-to-severe anxiety.
  • 3549 participants were included in the study.
  • 18 observational studies were included in the systematic review.

Sources:

  • European Geriatric Medicine: Functional recovery in older adults following mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review. European Geriatric Medicine, 2025.
  • University of Auckland: Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • NewsRx: Investigators at University of Auckland Zero in on Brain Injury (Functional recovery in older adults following mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 2149.
  • Elsevier: European Geriatric Medicine - www.journals.elsevier.com/european-geriatric-medicine/
  • Springer: European Geriatric Medicine, 2025. European Geriatric Medicine can be contacted at: Springer, One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, Ny, United States.