Alzheimer s disease
According to a news article posted on mednews365.com, a new study asserts that people with a history of traumatic brain injury have an increased chance of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The study shows that traumatic brain injuries can accelerate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by approximately four years.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Dementia
Dementia is a broad term that includes multiple diseases that cause a drop in mental ability. This drop in mental capacity can be so severe that the sufferer cannot interact or function in ordinary daily life as the disease progresses.
Dementia is typically precipitated by abnormal changes in the brain. These changes affect the individual’s cognitive and thinking skills. The loss of these skills impacts the individual’s behaviors, feelings, and relationships with friends and family.
Traumatic Brain Injuries are caused by an abrupt impact to the head. Traumatic Brain Injuries are common injuries in slip and fall accidents and auto accidents. An individual who endures a TBI will often lose consciousness. Individuals who sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury may also suffer one or more of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Difficulty learning
- Difficulty remembering new information
- Dizziness
- Inability to remember how the head injury happened
- Lack of coordination
- Personality changes
- Trouble hearing or Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Unsteady when standing or walking
- Vision problems
A mild Traumatic Brain Injury is called a concussion. When an individual has sustained a mild Traumatic Brain Injury, he or she may feel headaches, dizziness, nausea, and mental confusion. The symptoms usually go away after a few hours or days. In severe cases, these symptoms might last for many months.
A moderate Traumatic Brain Injury induces unconsciousness that persists for 30 minutes or longer. A severe Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to unconsciousness lasting as long as 24 hours. A moderate Traumatic Brain Injury has the same symptoms as mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, but only stronger and last longer.
New research now shows that an individual who receives a mild TBI or receives repeated mild TBIs may increase their risk for developing dementia.
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