Hits to the head could hurt later: Concussions may put you at risk for Alzheimer's later in life, according to a new Mayo Clinic study.
The research found that people with cognitive impairment who also experienced past head trauma had 18 percent higher levels of amyloid plaques in their brain --plaques that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's--compared to people without a history of brain injury.
Previous research shows that there's an immediate increase in beta-amyloid proteins--which contribute to plaques--after a moderate or severe brain injury, like if you momentarily lose consciousness or memory, explains study coauthor Michelle M. Mielke Ph.D. In some people, these deposits may remain in the brain over the years to increase disease risk.
But don't freak out yet. "Many people with a concussion did not have elevated amyloid levels," says Mielke. So just because you had a concussion does not mean you'll develop dementia.
Amyloid deposits or not, a concussion isn't good for your noggin. Just one concussion--even a mild one--is associated with a loss of brain tissue, found a 2013 study in the journal Radiology. So for now, start with trying to prevent a head injury (or at least reduce its severity): Never skip a helmet while biking, for example, and report any symptoms like dizziness or headaches that you feel after a hit.
Get a concussion? Take a break from whatever you're doing and see your doctor who may scan your brain or evaluate you with other tests that assess memory and learning.
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