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Following a traumatic event, immediate mental health impacts can manifest, such as shock and denial, serving as coping mechanisms. However, the long-term neurological consequences of untreated trauma remain less understood. 

Recent research led by clinical neuropsychologist Dr. April Thames shed light on this aspect. Untreated trauma reportedly poses a risk for future brain disorders like dementia, marked by cognitive decline affecting daily life. Dr. Thames' studies explored whether early trauma increases the risk of cognitive decline in later years. 

Dissociation as a coping strategy

Dissociation is a psychological defense mechanism where individuals disconnect from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity to avoid distressing or overwhelming experiences. It is often used as a coping strategy in response to trauma, stress, or other difficult situations. 

During dissociation, people may feel detached from reality, experience memory gaps, or perceive themselves and the world around them as unreal. While it can provide temporary relief from distress, long-term dissociation may hinder emotional processing and interpersonal functioning, necessitating therapeutic intervention.

The memory lapse caused by dissociation is not due to an inability to form memories but surfaces under life stressors. Dr. Thames emphasized that early trauma can induce lifelong changes in brain development, potentially heightening vulnerability to dementia in later life. 

Cognitive impairment caused by trauma

Similar to Dr. Thames' findings, past studies prove that trauma can result in cognitive impairment. In a study from 2006, trauma and life stressors were linked to the degenerative process experienced by patients with dementia. In a study from 2022, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, was also associated with a significant decline in cognition. In another study from 2023, trauma caused by war, the holocaust and adverse childhood experiences was linked to an increased risk of dementia later in life. These studies, along with the recent one conducted by Dr. Thames, underscored the need for proper resolutions to trauma and stress.