It is a well-known fact that older adults are more prone to cognitive deficiencies, and one of the most profound among them is dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are common types of dementia that are being observed in individuals of all ages in recent times. However, the risk of dementia is escalated after a person suffers from a serious head injury.

Head injury is a common form of physical trauma that results in impairments of cognitive functions and emotional stability. It can happen due to various reasons, including falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and others.

In some cases, the head injury may be minor, while in others, it may result in a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though TBI is a less common injury, it can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s cognitive functions, resulting in an increased risk of dementia.

Impact of Head Injury on Dementia Risk

A head injury can be a significant risk factor for the development of dementia. Studies suggest that traumatic brain injury can result in both structural and functional changes in the brain, which can eventually lead to dementia.

The frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for memory, are particularly vulnerable to injury. As the brain tries to heal, it causes inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in neuronal death and increased risk of dementia.

Research also suggests that head injury alters the cerebrospinal fluid, leading to an increased concentration of tau protein and beta-amyloid, both of which are known to be biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.

A study published in the Lancet Psychiatry in 2020 suggested that individuals who experienced a single severe TBI had a higher risk of developing dementia than those with mild TBI or no history of head injury. Moreover, the risk of dementia was found to be even higher in people with repeated head injuries.

Dementia Risk in Footballers

Athletes, particularly contact sportspersons such as footballers, are more susceptible to head injuries. They are at a higher risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease like dementia in comparison to the average person.

A study conducted by Glasgow University in 2019 found that professional footballers were three and a half times more likely to die due to dementia than the general population. The study highlighted that the more games the players had played, the greater the risk of developing cognitive impairments. It also found that former footballers who often headed the ball had more chances of developing dementia.

The findings led to a call for changes in the regulations of football, with the introduction of substitutes to replace players who suffer head injuries, and restrictions on training sessions, with headers allowed only in the training session of players aged over 18-years. Such measures have now been introduced to minimize the risk of head injuries and subsequently the development of dementia.

Prevention and Treatment for Dementia

While head injury cannot be prevented altogether, there are measures one can take to minimize its severity or avoid it to some extent.

These include always wearing a helmet while riding a bike, playing sports, or working in an environment where there is a risk of injury to the head, avoiding high-risk activities, adhering to traffic rules, installing handrails on stairways and in bathrooms, and keeping the home clean and tidy to avoid slips and falls.

Treatment for dementia includes medications to improve cognitive functions, behavioral therapy to keep the patients calm, and support groups to help patients and their families deal with the disease’s psychological aspects.

Medications are available to alleviate cognitive symptoms, though there is no cure for dementia.

Conclusion

Head injury can, unfortunately, lead to long-term changes in the brain, which can eventually result in dementia. The risk is higher in those with repeated head injuries.

While contact sportspersons are at a heightened risk, everyone needs to take measures to minimize head injuries. Preventative measures such as wearing helmets, adhering to traffic rules, installing handrails, and keeping the home clean and tidy can go a long way in minimizing head injuries.

People need to be aware of the risk of head injuries and do their best to ensure their safety. Individuals who have suffered head injuries and are experiencing cognitive difficulties should seek help and support from medical professionals.