Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that often occur in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.

A concussion is caused by a blow to the head that can cause the brain to move back and forth violently, leading to damage to the brain cells. While most concussions heal within a few weeks, there is growing evidence that multiple concussions can cause long-term brain damage, and even lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain called beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These plaques and tangles interfere with communication between brain cells, leading to the death of brain cells and the shrinkage of the brain.

Concussions and Alzheimer’s disease: What’s the link?

Research has shown that repeated concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to long-term brain damage. In particular, the buildup of tau protein in the brain can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

Tau is a protein that helps stabilize the internal structure of brain cells. When brain cells are damaged, tau protein is released and can accumulate in other parts of the brain, leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.

These tangles interfere with the normal function of brain cells, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

How many concussions are too many?

There’s no magic number when it comes to the relationship between concussions and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, research has shown that the more concussions a person experiences, the greater their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. One study of retired NFL players found that those who had sustained three or more concussions had a five times higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease) than those who had never had a concussion.

Another study found that high school athletes who had sustained two or more concussions were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in later life.

Don’t just blame athletes

While athletes are at a higher risk of sustaining concussions, they’re not the only ones. Falls, car accidents, and other types of trauma can also cause concussions.

So if you’ve suffered a concussion, it’s important to take steps to protect your brain and prevent repeat injuries. This includes wearing a helmet when cycling or participating in contact sports, following traffic laws when driving, and practicing good balance and coordination skills to reduce your risk of falls.

Conclusion

Concussions are a serious concern for anyone who participates in contact sports or who may be at risk of falls or other types of trauma.

If you’ve suffered a concussion, it’s important to take steps to protect your brain and prevent further injuries. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, reducing your risk of concussions is one step you can take to protect your brain health in the long run.