Kimberly Peterson, MSVeterans are not at a higher risk of developing dementia than civilians, unless they suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to new research. A team, led by Kimberly Peterson, MS, Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) Coordinating Center, VA Portland Health Care System, reviewed the prevalence of dementia in Veterans compared to civilians and examined the link between previous traumatic brain injuries and the risk and timing of dementia onset in Veterans.
The analysis was pulled from 2 databases: one with veterans of various generations who had suffered TBIs ranging from concussion to mild TBI in either their military career or civilian life; and another list of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The latter list’s veterans were more likely to suffer TBI in combat zones.
Read more at: https://www.mdmag.com/medical-news/dementia-risk-traumatic-brain-injury-history