Grant: Summer Program in Aging

More than one in four people aged 65 years or older fall annually. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common complication of falls. In the long term, TBI patients are at increased risk of dementia, which is the decline of cognition impacting daily living activities. However, we need more evidence to counsel patients and their families on the risk of dementia, specifically for older adults (65-year-old or above). Subsequently, little is known about the risk of admission to long-term care or their need for community support, especially in those suffering from systemic inequities. We need to understand the impact of social determinants such as age at diagnosis, sex, gender, neighbourhood income, community size, immigrant status and neighbourhood ethnic diversity on the risk of dementia, long-term care admission, and need for home care services in TBI older adults. If we can identify the social determinants of health associated with a higher risk of dementia, higher needs and more prominent gaps between needs and support, we can optimize equitable access. As part of my thesis, I will conduct three major projects. I will lead a retrospective cohort study using population databases of individuals diagnosed with TBI to evaluate their long-term cognitive outcome (risk of dementia) and healthcare services needs (long-term care admission or need for homecare support). To further assess strategies to address the cognitive adverse effects of TBI, I will review the literature for evidence of the cost-effectiveness of post-TBI cognitive interventions. I will then conduct an economic analysis of cognitive interventions across clinical settings in Ontario. These three research projects have important implications regarding supporting older adults equitably in their homes using appropriate resources like specialized cognitive interventions or home care services to optimize their quality of life and potentially avoidable care transitions.