Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Concussions occur with traumatic brain injuries that can result from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Concussions can have a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and sound. While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some may experience long-term effects, such as chronic headaches or difficulty with memory and concentration. Concussions are a common injury, especially in contact sports, but they can also occur from falls, car accidents, and other types of accidents. Concussions are required to be taken seriously with medical attention if a concussion is suspected.
A new study has indicated that 3 or more concussions is associated with worsened brain function later in life.
The study which was the largest of its kind further discovered that having just 1 moderate-to-severe concussion, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), may lead to a long-term effect on brain function, including memory.
The University of Oxford and the University of Exeter, led the research that consisted of data from over 15,000 participants of the online PROTECT study, who were between 50 and 90 years old and based in the UK. They indicated the severity and frequency of concussions they had undergone throughout their life, and finished annual, computerized tests for brain function.
The paper appeared in the Journal of Neurotrauma, which noted that individuals indicating 3 or more concussions had significantly less cognitive function, which successively deteriorated with every single concussion following that. Attention and fulfilment of complex tasks were specifically impacted.
The scientists indicated that individuals with prior concussions should be warned of the dangers of proceeding with extremely risky sports or work.
Researchers in the past have focused on sporting activities that often lead to repeated blows to the head voicing their concerns which are likely to be justified in this study.
University of Oxfords lead investigator Dr Vanessa Raymont, says “We know that head injuries are a major risk factor for dementia, and this large-scale study gives the greatest detail to date on a stark finding – the more times you injure your brain in life, the worse your brain function could be as you age.”
“Our research indicates that people who have experienced three or more even mild episodes of concussion should be counselled on whether to continue high-risk activities. We should also encourage organisations operating in areas where head impact is more likely to consider how they can protect their athletes or employees.”
The team discovered that participants who indicated 3 episodes of even mild concussion in their life had significantly worse attention and ability to finish complex tasks. Individuals with 4 or more mild concussion episodes indicated more deteriorated processing speed and working memory as well. Every single additional concussion was associated with progressively worse cognitive function.
What’s more the researchers noted that indicating even one moderate-to-severe concussion was linked to worse attention spans, completion of complex activities and processing speed.
With the online PROTECT study, participants share details of their lifestyle, and complete a suite of cognitive tests annually, up to twenty-five years. The collection of data can assist researchers to learn about brain aging and what is involved keeping the brain healthy, later in life.
“Studies like this are so important in unravelling the long-term risks of traumatic brain injury, including their effect on dementia risk. These findings should send a clear message to policy makers and sporting bodies, who need to put robust guidelines in place that reduce risk of head injury as much as possible,” explained Dr Susan Kohlhaas, who is the Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
