Major traumatic brain injury linked to higher dementia risk
Published By Alzheimer's Research UK [English], Thu, May 12, 2022 8:13 AM
Researchers from Finland have found that people who required a hospital stay following a major traumatic brain injury (TBI) were more likely to develop dementia. The new study was published today (Wednesday 11 May) in the journal Neurology.
Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“There are many different risk factors for dementia including genetics, which we cannot change, but also environmental and lifestyle factors which we may be able to influence. Research has highlighted traumatic brain injury as an important risk factor for dementia, but there is huge variation in the severity of these injuries and we don’t yet know the point at which they will significantly affect the long-term health of the brain or how they interact with other dementia risk factors.
“This study provides further evidence that major traumatic brain injury increases dementia risk, but the findings suggest that this effect was weakened in people who were physically active and didn’t drink too much alcohol. The results highlight the complex nature of dementia risk and the importance of the combined effects of several factors.
“The researchers only considered TBI cases requiring hospital admission in the study and did not look at the effects of smaller, more frequent head impacts common in some sports. Alzheimer’s Research UK is currently working to identify the most important questions in how sport and head injuries can affect our brain health. Studies like this are crucial for informing clinicians and policymakers and to implement strategies to reduce dementia risk as much as possible. Our Think Brain Health campaign has more information about dementia risk factors that may be possible to influence.”
Press release distributed by Media Pigeon on behalf of Alzheimer's Research UK, on May 12, 2022. For more information subscribe and follow
