Traumatic brain injury and risk of dementia in older veterans

Traumatic brain injury and risk of dementia in older veterans

An important study was published today, Traumatic brain injury and risk of dementia in older veterans in the Journal Neurology. The study has important implications for all those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury, but most importantly for individuals including athletes who have sustained repetitive head trauma. 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in military personnel, and there is growing concern about the long-term effects of TBI on the brain; however, few studies have examined the association between TBI and risk of dementia in veterans.

The study concludes: “TBI in older veterans was associated with a 60% increase in the risk of developing dementia over 9 years after accounting for competing risks and potential confounders. Our results suggest that TBI in older veterans may predispose toward development of symptomatic dementia and raise concern about the potential long-term consequences of TBI in younger veterans and civilians.”

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