Protect your head from concussions
A new study has found that getting hit thrice to the head over a lifetime is enough to raise dementia risk. Experts at Oxford University studied 15,000 people, aged over 50 and above. They found that concussions are linked to lower brain power in later life.
It was worse for those who had suffered three mild or moderate knocks to the head, or just a single severe one. These high-risk accidents include hitting your head in a fall, a sporting clash such as in football, or a car crash.
Dementia risk
“The more times you injure your brain in life, the worse your brain function could be as you age,” study author Dr Vanessa Raymont said, “We know that head injuries are a major risk factor for dementia.”
Evidence shows that even lots of small impacts can trigger brain damage and dementia risk in later life.
About the study
The Oxford study asked 15,000 people (aged 50 to 90) about how many head injuries they had suffered. The researchers then compared their brain test scores.
Results revealed that the scores were “significantly worse” in people who reported more impacts. The findings were published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
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Impact of concussions
The researchers found that concussions can lead to shorter attention spans and slower reaction speed. People who had many head injuries were also less able to complete complex thinking tasks.
Dr Helen Brooker, study co-author from Exeter University, said: “We’re learning that life events that might seem insignificant can have an impact on the brain. Our findings indicate that rehab should focus on key functions such as attention and completion of complex tasks, which are susceptible to long-term damage.”
Other studies
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens from an impact to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Another study conducted by researchers at Umeå University in Sweden also found that TBI is a risk factor for dementia. The study revealed that the risk of a dementia diagnosis was highest during the first year after the injury.
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What should you do
According to the NHS UK, you should go to a doctor after experiencing a concussion, especially if you experience symptoms like vomiting, memory loss, mood swings or an unstoppable headache. Scientists warn people to avoid risky hobbies or jobs if they receive a head injury.