NCAA Concussions Connected to Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Concussions are relatively common injuries that result from a bump or a blow to the head and are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. While most people recover quickly from concussions, research suggests that suffering a concussion earlier in life can have lasting effects later in life.
Sports-related concussions can have serious health consequences. Our Houston sports injury lawyers can help you pursue legal action if you or a loved one suffered a concussion that could have been prevented. Call us at (877) 958-7920 for a free consultation.
Correlation Between Concussions and Dementia
A study published in Neuropsychology examined 2,100 autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s cases and found a correlation between concussions with a loss of consciousness and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Researchers found that the people who suffered a TBI were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 2.34 years earlier than those who did not suffer a TBI.
The results of the current study are consistent with previous findings linking TBIs and early-onset dementia. Past research has found that Alzheimer’s developed up to nine years earlier for people who suffered a TBI. The results of the present study may be more conclusive because it was the first study to examine autopsy-confirmed cases of Alzheimer’s.
Athletes at Increased Risk of Early-Onset Dementia
Although the underlying mechanisms that cause early-onset dementia to develop because of concussions have not yet been determined, the findings of these studies have profound implications for athletes who play contact sports. Football players, hockey players, soccer players, and athletes in many other fast-paced sports are at an increased risk of suffering repeated concussions throughout their athletic careers. Though players recover from their injuries within a few weeks and can return to their sport, subsequent concussions can cause permanent damage to the brain and may lead to early-onset Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.
Sports organizations, trainers, and coaches need to recognize the long-term dangers of repeated concussions and ensure athletes are properly protected and aware of the risks associated with concussions and TBIs. The NCAA has recently begun tracking information about athletes who have suffered concussions, but it will take years before researchers can draw conclusions from the data.
Contact Shrader & Associates L.L.P. for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a sports-related concussion that could have been prevented or was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the responsible party and receive compensation for expenses you incurred. Our experienced Houston sports injury attorneys at Shrader & Associates L.L.P. have the resources to investigate your claim and present a strong defense on your behalf.
Discuss your sports-related concussion case with our Houston injury lawyers by calling us at (877) 958-7920 or contacting us online.