Any sort of brain injury can have devastating, long-term impacts. One of them is an increased chance that the victim will eventually develop dementia.
If you’ve suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by another’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your current suffering as well as any future complications.
Talk to a Florida traumatic brain injury attorney at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to learn more about how we may be able to help. Contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a degenerative condition affecting cognitive functions such as memory, language, and perception. It’s progressive, meaning that it worsens over time. Dementia eventually leads to a decline in mental abilities and loss of independence.
The best-known type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Other forms of dementia include Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
The symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. Signs to watch out for include memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, impaired judgment, and changes in mood and behavior.
Does a brain injury increase the risk of dementia?
Studies have shown that individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. The risk increases with the severity and frequency of the injury, as well as the age at which the injury occurred.
For example, a study published in the Archives of Neurology found that people who had a moderate to severe TBI were two to four times more likely to develop dementia than those who never sustained a TBI.
The exact mechanisms linking brain injury to dementia are not yet fully understood, but experts believe the injury triggers a cascade of biological changes in the brain that can lead to the development of dementia over time.
These changes may include inflammation, cell death, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, all of which are also associated with the pathogenesis of dementia.
Prevention and treatment of dementia after brain injury
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia. However, there are several treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include medication to improve cognitive function and behavioral therapy to address mood and behavior changes.
Rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring lost skills and abilities can also be beneficial for individuals with dementia after brain injury.
Early detection and management
Early detection is crucial for the effective management of the disease. This is especially true for individuals with a history of brain injury, as they may be at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Regular screenings and evaluations can detect the first signs of cognitive decline, allowing for early intervention.
Challenges in diagnosing dementia after brain injury
Diagnosing dementia after brain injury can be challenging due to the overlap in symptoms between the two conditions.
For example, memory loss and mood changes can occur in both brain injuries and dementia, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause.
Additionally, a brain injury can mask the symptoms of dementia, making it harder to detect and diagnose. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation that takes into account both the history of brain injury and the symptoms of cognitive decline is necessary for accurate diagnosis and management.
Speak with a skilled attorney to protect your rights
If you’ve suffered any kind of severe injury in an accident that wasn’t your fault, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is standing by to help. Schedule a free case review with our Florida brain injury lawyers by calling (561) 655-1990 or contacting us online.
