Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing dementia.
Even a single head injury in old age can have long-term consequences for the brain. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) found that for individuals over 65, a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of dementia by nearly 70 percent in the first five years following the incident and by 56 percent in later periods.
Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed data from 260,000 people and found that falls are the most common cause of injuries—situations that can be prevented. After TBI, patients also showed an increased need for home care.
The highest risk was noted among women over 75 and individuals living in small or low-income communities. According to the authors, this is a reason to pay more attention to fall prevention and early support programs, as even a mild injury can trigger a chain of changes leading to dementia.
