The Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries: Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk

A study of twins who served in World War II has found that traumatic brain injuries are associated with cognitive decline later in life, with individuals who experienced such injuries more likely to have lower scores on cognitive tests at around 70 years old. The study, which used a twin-study design, also revealed that those with multiple traumatic brain injuries, loss of consciousness due to head injury, or injuries occurring at age 25 or older had a sharper decline in cognitive scores. The research highlights the importance of taking steps to prevent head injuries and discussing brain protection strategies with healthcare professionals.