PhD defence Demi Constantia Dimphna Havermans

Keywords: PTSD, Older adults, Trauma, Dementia

"Forgotten wounds: Recognizing and diagnosing PTSD in older adults and those with dementia"

This dissertation examines how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifests in older adults, with particular attention to people with dementia. Older adults with traumatic experiences are often overlooked, as their symptoms are wrongly attributed to ageing or cognitive decline. The research focuses on improving the recognition and diagnosis of PTSD, so that this group can also receive appropriate care. The dissertation describes, among other things, the relationship between PTSD and cognitive decline and introduces a new diagnostic instrument: the TRADE interview. This interview helps healthcare professionals recognize PTSD in people with dementia. The findings emphasize that even “forgotten wounds” deserve care and treatment, and contribute to a better understanding and more appropriate support for older adults living with trauma.

Click here for the full dissertation. 

Click here for the live stream.