Brain injury patients may also be at risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Head trauma has received a lot of attention recently because of lawsuits filed by professional athletes. As disturbing as the events are, putting the spotlight on brain injury does have its advantages. For one, the added attention means more awareness, which can come in handy when there are new breakthroughs.
A recent discovery may not be positive, but it could help many, California residents included, to be informed of the potential effects of a concussion or other head injuries and what possible measures could be taken to counteract them. According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic, people with a history of concussions, as well as those who have experienced at least one instance of losing consciousness, find themselves more at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers performed brain scans of 141 people with mild cognitive problems and 448 people who did not have any memory or thinking problems. Both groups, which had participants aged 70 and older, had a percentage of respondents that experienced traumatic brain injuries.
There was no marked difference for the cognitively normal group. On the other hand though, the other group’s brain scan showed an 18 percent increase of amyloid plaques. The plaques are characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease. According to the head researcher, the finding suggests that there may be a link between concussions and the disease.
Besides being aware of the new breakthroughs, putting brain injuries on the hot seat can also promote awareness of how to prevent the catastrophic injury. On a personal level, it is easy to adjust one’s lifestyle to avoid circumstances that might lead to the injury. However, it is another matter when a brain injury is caused by someone else’s negligence.
In such a case, a Los Angeles resident may hold that person liable. Doing so can pave the way for compensation, compensation that can go a long way in a victim’s road to recovery. Those who suffer a brain injury or any other injury due to the negligence of another could have a cause of action. Those seeking to file a personal injury claim should seek to understand the process and what steps are necessary. This will help to preserve their interess and protect their rights.
Source: Voice of America, “Head Trauma Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease Plaques,” Jessica Berman, Dec, 27, 2013