Repetitive Head Injury & Alzheimer's Disease
People who live through repetitive head injuries may experience damage to their brain cells that can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that causes dementia, a loss of memory and reduced cognitive functioning.
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Head Injury
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According to the Franklin Institute, individuals who suffer head injuries with a loss of consciousness have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Brain cells that are damaged from a head injury may develop plaque, amyloid beta and tau formations that are similar to those that grow in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.
Repetitive Head Injury
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Boxers who suffer repetitive head injuries may develop tangles in the brain that look like the lesions in Alzheimer's patient's brains. The full impact of repetitive brain traumas from boxing can show up in brain cell deterioration later in a boxer's life.
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Head Protection
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People can reduce the risk of repetitive head injury by wearing protective helmets when they ride bicycles and motorcycles, play team sports such as hockey or participate in winter activities such as skiing.
Alzheimer's Symptoms
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Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have cognitive problems that become progressively worse such as memory problems, personality and mood disorders and difficulties with reasoning, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Alzheimer's Treatment
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Doctors may prescribe medications such as donepezil or memantine to help Alzheimer's patients maintain cognitive functioning.
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