Alzheimer's Research & Therapy

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Mild traumatic brain injury: a risk factor for neurodegeneration

Brandon E Gavett12, Robert A Stern12, Robert C Cantu423, Christopher J Nowinski23 and Ann C McKee6125*

Author Affiliations

1 Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., B-7800, Boston, MA 02118, USA

2 Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University, 72 East Concord St., B-7800, Boston, MA 02118, USA

3 Sports Legacy Institute, 230 3rd Ave., Waltham, MA 02451, USA

4 Department of Neurosurgery, Emerson Hospital, 131 ORNAC Suite 820, John Cuming Building, Concord, MA, 01742, USA

5 Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730, USA

6 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 670 Albany Street - 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA


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Alzheimer's Research & Therapy 2010, 2:18 doi:10.1186/alzrt42

Published: 25 June 2010

Abstract

Recently, it has become clear that head trauma can lead to a progressive neurodegeneration known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Although the medical literature also implicates head trauma as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, these findings are predominantly based on clinical diagnostic criteria that lack specificity. The dementia that follows head injuries or repetitive mild trauma may be caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy, alone or in conjunction with other neurodegenerations (for example, Alzheimer's disease). Prospective longitudinal studies of head-injured individuals, with neuropathological verification, will not only improve understanding of head trauma as a risk factor for dementia but will also enhance treatment and prevention of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases.