Do all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) lead to dementia?

Not all TBIs lead to dementia and not all dementias are caused by TBI. According to a study published in the journal Neurology, in May 2022, only those who have experienced moderate to severe TBIs were seen to have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. This phenomenon was not observed among those who have experienced only mild TBI.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Defined

The (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines traumatic brain injury as “a form of acquired brain injury that occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain.”

Major traumatic brain injuries are defined as those, “having bleeding in the brain and a hospital stay of three or more days.” On the other hand, mild traumatic brain injuries are defined as a “concussion with less than 24 hours or 1-day stay in the hospital.

TBI and Risk of Dementia

Researchers have observed a high correlation between dementia and those who have experienced major TBI but to a significantly lesser degree or no correlation among those who have only experienced minor TBI.

In a study conducted by Dr. Rahul Raj at the University of Helsinki in Finland, they observed that “people who were hospitalized due to a major TBI had a 1.5 times greater risk of dementia than those without a TBI.”

The exact mechanism of how major TBIs can increase the risk of developing dementia has yet to be understood. However, from the perspective of dementia prevention, it is important to pay attention to this valuable observation.

Additionally, it is important to point out that there have also been studies linking the higher incidences of depression among those with TBIs (regardless of severity); and depression by itself, is a risk factor for developing dementia.

Awareness as a Key to Dementia Prevention

Though it may still be a long while before a definitive cure for dementia can be developed, there’s enough scientific data to identify the factors that increase the risk of developing dementia. By reducing these risk factors, such as supporting efforts to reduce TBIs, the risk of developing dementia later on in life is likewise reduced.

Disclaimer: This post is for information only to let people know the risk factors of developing dementia by being aware and supporting the efforts to reduce TBIs.