A new study focused on veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the likelihood that they would develop cognitive issues in the future. They found that those that were exposed to explosive blasts and suffered traumatic brain injury as a result were more likely than other populations to have changes in their cerebrospinal fluid. These changes were linked to the presence of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study found that those who had been exposed to explosive blasts and had suffered mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result were likely to have declines in beta-amyloid 42 levels. This is associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and can be present up to 20 years before Alzheimer’s disease symptoms become apparent.
The researchers believe that this change in spinal fluid composition occurs because TBI can impact how the brain functions due to the damage that is caused.
One of the hallmark features of Alzheimer’s is that the brain is not able to clear away plaque within the brain, causing the cognitive impairment that is associated with the disease. TBI can do something similar if there is damage to the glymphatic system. When this occurs, the brain has difficulty cleaning itself like it once did. The working hypothesis is that this is the connection between the two.
This does not mean that those who have exposed to explosions are going to develop Alzheimer’s. The team was quick to point out that their findings do not prove that people who have experienced TBI are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. They stated that they believe there is a correlation between the two events, but not necessarily a causation.
For veterans, this means that there is no definitive proof that combat and explosive blasts increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. However, because of the correlation, there is good reason for people that have been through this situation to act preventively. Working with a doctor to stay ahead of health and cognitive issues is always the best course of action.
This research comes out of the University of Washington School of Medicine. They published their findings in the journal, Neurology. There’s always more that needs to be done when it comes to improving the lives that seniors and the people that live with them experience.
If you have questions about how best to help a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, we are happy to talk more with you. Memory care can be overwhelming to think about or to get connected to, but the benefits of this service can make a world of difference. It can help your loved one to live a higher quality of life, and it can help the other members of your family reduce stress and be confident that their loved one is getting the best care possible.
It allows families to do the things that they need to do AND ensure their loved ones are still getting the best care possible.
If you’d like to learn more about senior care and how it can help those with dementia, please get in touch.
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