The relationship between head trauma and the development of dementia
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Head trauma at any age increases the risk of developing dementia in old age. To such conclusions came the researchers, led by Dr. Jesse Fann. The research was conducted on the basis of the University of Washington.
The neurodegenerative processes that are the basis of the onset of dementia affect 47 million of the world's population. According to specialists, the number of patients with this disease is growing steadily.
Craniocerebral trauma is also a very common reason for going to the doctor, and it happens about as often as cases with dementia. Scientists have pondered: whether there can be a relationship between trauma and neurodegeneration?
Specialists initiated a case study in 1977. The experiment began with the fact that almost three million patients were examined. Almost every second of them has ever had a brain injury in life: in 85% it was mild, and in 15% it was severe, with violation of the integrity of the cranial bones.
For a long time, scientists did not stop observing the participants, which revealed the following: from 1999 to 2013, more than 5% of patients with craniocerebral trauma developed dementia (in particular, Alzheimer's disease). The average age category of participants who received a corresponding disappointing diagnosis was 80 years.
Also, experts found that men were more prone to developing neurodegenerative pathology, in contrast to women (respectively, 30% and 19%). Subsequent results demonstrated the following facts:
- concussion in the anamnesis increases the chances of getting dementia in old age by 24%;
- severe craniocerebral injuries increase the risk to 35%.
If the patient received more than five craniocerebral injuries in his life, the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders increased by 183%.
Researchers note that the most surprising thing for them was the fact that even a small concussion of the brain increased the risk of developing late pathologies by 17%. Such information is very important, as it demonstrates a clear danger. Often such slight injuries people get even in childhood, because of increased activity and curiosity. The experiment showed that if the concussion was received before the age of 20, the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders increased by 60%.
Experts have already raised the issue that it is necessary to introduce preventive programs to prevent head injuries among people of all ages.
Fortunately, traumatic brain injury does not guarantee that a violation of the type of dementia necessarily "visit" a person in old age. Nevertheless, such chances are high, and it should be treated with all seriousness.
Details about the work of scientists can be found on the pages of the University of Washington (https://newsroom.uw.edu/news/risk-dementia-increases-traumatic-brain-injury).