A study recently published in the journal of Biological Psychiatry has discovered a link between accelerated dementia and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and brain infections. Individuals affected by dementia may see an acceleration of their condition when inflammation of the brain occurs because of a brain injury that also leads to an infection.
Scientists had already been aware of systemic inflammation, in which the body becomes inflamed as a whole, to have an affect on brain function, according the study; however, until recently, little research had been done on the link between systemic inflammation and dementia/neurodegenerative diseases.
The study, conducted by members from the Trinity College Dublin and University of Southampton, studied the "inflammatory response" to infection and injury of mice with previous neurodegenerative disease (brain damage caused by loss of cells and neurons). According to the study, "the response caused exaggerated symptoms of the infection, causes changes in memory and learning and leads to accelerated progression of dementia." These findings create an urgency among TBI victims who may be at risk for accelerated or early on-set demetia to speak with a medical professional.
Dealing With Dementia
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) defines dementia as a "loss of brain function," however, the condition is not considered a single disease, but is described as a "group of illnesses that involve memory, behavior, learning and communications problems." Dementia is also a progressive condition that is marked by a lengthy list of symptoms, as described by the NLM. Signs and symptoms of dementia include:
* lack of concentration
* increased/progressive memory loss
* hallucinations/delusion
* confusion
* decrease in problem-solving and judgement
* impaired recognition
* disorientation
* motor system impairment
* memory deficit
* absent or impaired language ability
* lack of spontaneity
* irritability, poor temper control
* anxiety
* depression
* inability to read, write, speak, form words and name objects
* no observable mood
* inability to maintain employment or interact in social or personal situations
Unfortunately, treatments for dementia are slim and may only include treating symptoms with dietary supplements and prescription medicines. Additionally, individuals with dementia will likely need long-term care such as 24-hour monitoring and in-home care to control aggression and to monitor their potential for personal injury, according to a February 2008 article from The New York Times on the details of dementia.
Overcoming TBI Risks
Individuals have suffered from a traumatic brain injury or a brain infection and thus have increased the inflammation within the brain should consider speaking with a specialized medical professional or neurologist about the potential for developing accelerated dementia.
It is also advisable for a brain injury victim to contact an experienced brain injury attorney as it may become necessary to develop a lawsuit. To receive a free legal consultation, locate a brain injury law firm and learn about the details of developing a case that may earn a victim monetary compensation to pay for medical brain injury treatments.
By: Katie Kelley
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