Sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after being injured in a car accident, sports accident, or slip and fall accident is something experienced by many Americans every year. Traumatic brain injuries often cause life-altering symptoms, such as a loss of concentration, pain, and an inability to engage in meaningful activities. Traumatic brain injury victims also must contend with an increased likelihood of developing dementia or another type of neurological medical condition.
Risk of Dementia Resulting from Traumatic Brain Injuries
A recent study as discussed in JAMA Neurology has linked an increased risk of the development dementia with those who have sustained mild traumatic brain injuries, with and without loss of consciousness, in U.S. military veterans. According to the study, people who experience a mild traumatic brain injury have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. Prior studies have linked moderate and severe TBI with increased risk of developing dementia, but this study is unique because it focused on those who were diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries.
Developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) After a TBI
The results of this study linking dementia to traumatic brain injuries is concerning. For decades, researchers have discovered that boxers, hockey players, and football players who have experienced multiple mild traumatic brain injuries have a higher risk of being diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a specific type of dementia that has distinct pathological and clinical features. Other reports have linked military service members who suffered traumatic brain injuries with syndromes that appear quite similar to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is an Incredibly Challenging Medical Condition
Dementia is a general term used to describe a person’s decline in mental ability. The decline must be severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. There are many causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. As we have seen above, traumatic brain injuries have been linked to a greater increase in dementia diagnosis later in life. In most cases, the changes in a person’s brain that cause dementia will worsen and eventually require constant care.
Contact a TBI Lawyer Today
If another person’s negligence or recklessness causes a victim’s traumatic brain injury then the victim may have a right to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. If you or your loved one have experienced a traumatic brain injury caused by a serious accident, it is worth taking the time to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Should you become diagnosed with dementia later in life due to your TBI, it is important to have enough financial resources for your care. Securing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can provide you with financial security. Contact the experienced Kansas and Missouri TBI lawyers at Griggs Injury Law today to schedule your initial consultation.
