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Norma D. Mckenzie, MD
James K. Schmitt, MD
Richmond Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Medical College of Virginia
Of the components of the Persian Gulf Syndrome, memory loss
is the symptom that is most atypical of young adults. We investigated
the results of psychological testing in Gulf War vets complaining of memory
loss.
Methods. Of the 360 Persian Gulf Veterans who were assessed
at the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center between 1992 and
1998, eighteen patients (5%) were referred for evaluation of complaints
of memory loss. Thirteen (10 males and 3 females) with a mean age of 35
years (range 23 to 47 years) received comprehensive psychological assessment.
Five additional individuals failed to report for their appointments.
Results. Time of onset of memory problems ranged relatively
evenly from 0 to 36 months subsequent to departure from the Persian Gulf.
Neuropsychological testing found deficits in concentration (N=3), verbal
versus visual memory processing (N=2) and relative weakness in organizational
skills (N=1). Clinically severe mood disorders, anxiety disorders, alcohol
abuse and/or pre-morbid intellectual weaknesses were deemed sufficient
to account for the deficits detected in four patients. One individual
had significant unexplained relative weakness in ability to recall standard
verbal information. The remainder of the patients had normal psychological
testing.
Conclusions. In most Persian Gulf Veterans who complain
of memory problems, psychological testing reveals normal memory, or causes
of intellectual impairment that seem unrelated to the Persian Gulf experience.
KEY WORDS: Memory Disorders
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