New Study Finds Repeated Head Trauma Raises Risk of Brain Cell Degeneration

Head Injuries Could Lead to Neurodegenerative Diseases

A recent study has found that repeated head trauma can increase the risk of brain cell degeneration. Led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the study looked at data from over 1,000 people who had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The research was published Oct. 29 in the journal Neurology.

How Head Trauma Affects The Brain

According to the study, people who had experienced multiple TBIs were more likely to have reduced levels of a protein called tau in their brains. Tau is a protein that helps stabilize brain cells, and its reduction can lead to cell death. The study also found that people with lower levels of tau were more likely to have cognitive impairment and dementia.

The researchers believe that repeated head trauma may damage the brain's blood-brain barrier, which is a protective layer that surrounds the brain. This damage can allow toxic substances to enter the brain and damage brain cells.

Effects of Head Trauma

The study's findings are concerning, as they suggest that repeated head trauma could increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a progressive degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated head trauma and is often seen in athletes and military veterans.

The study's authors say that their findings underscore the importance of preventing head injuries, particularly in people who are at risk for repeated head trauma. They also say that more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of head trauma and to develop effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.