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The mission of the Cognitive Assessment and Diagnostics Branch (CADB) is to enhance the Warfighter’s performance through psychological and physiological health. Today’s combat operations in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have created unique conditions that can have deleterious effects on the cognitive and emotional well-being of our Warfighter. The CADB currently investigates the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), sleep deprivation, substance use/misuse (licit and illicit), pre-morbid psychopathology, individual differences, and combat experiences on neuropsychological functioning and psychological health. Clarifying the contribution of specific variables precedes accurate diagnosis, assessment, and the development of efficacious treatments for both TBI and other combat-related psychopathology such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is the goal of CADB to contribute to the proficiency and long-term stability, health and psychological well-being of the Warfighter. |
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Brain Imaging of Learning, Memory and Emotion |
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Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of various cortical regions in regulating emotional responses to aversive stimuli with use of function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This project is in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Recruitment
In progress
Phase of Study
Data collection |
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Auditory, Vestibular, and Cognitive Effects from Repeated Blast |
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Objective
One of the aims of this study is to investigate the impact of repetitive blast exposure on neuropsychological functioning (attention, memory, executive functioning, affect, and mood) as well as physiology (pulmonary, cardiac, etc).
Recruitment
In progress
Phase of Study
Data collection |
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Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status and Cognitive Performance |
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Objectives
To assess changes in behavior, cognition, & motivation of Soldiers with chronic symptoms from mTBI/PTSD. Explore relationship between neuroimaging, neurobehavioral, biological, and psychological measures. Contribute to RTD standards.
Recruitment
Complete
Phase of Study
Data analysis
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Assessment of TBI and PTSD |
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Objectives
To assess changes in behavior, cognition, & motivation of Soldiers with chronic symptoms from mTBI/PTSD. Explore relationship between neurobehavioral, biological, and psychological measures. Contribute to RTD standards.
Recruitment
Complete
Phase of Study
Final report and publications |
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Cognition-enhancing drugs and their appropriateness for aviation and ground troops: A meta-analysis |
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Objectives
To critically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the existing literature in order to identify cognition-enhancing drugs that may be suited for use in ground and aviation troops.
Recruitment
N/A
Phase of Study
Final report available in DTIC |
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The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Assessment of Causality, Correlation Detection, Illusory Correlation, and Performance on an Engagement Skills Trainer Task in Soldiers |
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Objectives
To evaluate accuracy on a series of causal judgment tasks and the EST 2000 after a period of sleep deprivation and recovery sleep.
Recruitment
Complete
Phase of Study
Final report available in DTIC |
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Effects of SSRI on Cognition and Sleep |
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Objectives
To assess effects of SSRIs on behavior, cognition, motivation, and daytime wakefulness in Soldiers being treated for combat operational stress. Explore relationship between measures of neurocognitive performance, sleep latency and wakefulness, and sleep quality/quantity.
Recruitment
In Progress
Phase of Study
Data Collection |
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Risky Behavior and Attitudes about Risk in Soldiers Pre- and Post-Deployment |
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Objectives
To assess risk propensity in Soldiers pre- and post-deployment. To assess risk propensity and actual risk behaviors in Soldiers post-deployment; comparisons between those with PTSD, TBI, and poly-traumas.
Recruitment
Complete
Phase of Study
Data analysis |
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Sleep Disturbances and USMC Breacher Crewmen |
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Objectives
To evaluate sleep patterns (quantity and quality of sleep) and cognitive functions in USMC breacher crewmen students and instructors before, during, and after training.
Recruitment
Complete
Phase of Study
Final report available in DTIC |
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The Effect of Combat Deployment on Perception of Risk |
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Objectives
To evaluate the relationship between combat experiences, the perception of threat, and subsequent risk propensity.
Recruitment
Ongoing
Phase of Study
Data collection |
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Identifying Functional Concussion Thresholds for Cognitive Impairment |
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Objectives
To systematically review the existing literature on concussion grades and cognitive impairments.
Recruitment
N/A
Phase of Study
Literature search |
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Unit Cohesion Considerations Upon Return to Duty and Reintegration |
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Objectives
To characterize the perception of soldiers with traumatic brain injuries with respect to reintegration success. To evaluate the extent to which those perceptions impact team performance and unit cohesion.
Recruitment
Pending approval
Phase of Study
Protocol approval |
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Longitudinal Assessment of Determinants of Persistent Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS) |
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Objectives
To evaluate the extent to which psychological, behavioral, physiological, and genetic factors contribute to the development of persistent PCS in soldiers with a history of combat related mild traumatic brain injury using an exploratory, longitudinal methodology.
Recruitment
In progress
Phase of Study
Recruitment and data collection |
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