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Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia in Veterans: A Rapid Systematic Review
Kimberly Peterson1, Stephanie Veazie, Donald Bourne
1Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) Coordinating Center, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, Oregon.
The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
|January 31, 2020
Summary
Dementia rates are similar in Veterans and civilians. However, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) increase dementia risk, particularly early-onset dementia, highlighting a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Dementia is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding dementia prevalence in Veterans is crucial for targeted healthcare.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common in military populations and may influence dementia risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare dementia prevalence between Veterans and civilian populations.
- To investigate the association between TBI and dementia risk and onset timing in Veterans.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register.
- Inclusion and quality assessment of 40 articles, with 10 providing the strongest evidence.
- Data extraction and verification by two independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Dementia prevalence appears similar between Veterans (10.7%) and civilians (8.8%-11.6%).
- Dementia prevalence is higher in individuals with TBI (6%-16%) compared to those without (3%-10%), suggesting a dose-response relationship.
- Evidence indicates a potential link between TBI and early-onset dementia, though with limitations.
Conclusions:
- Dementia risk is elevated by TBI in Veterans.
- Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms and timing of TBI-associated dementia.
- Findings can inform screening, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies for Veterans.
