Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia: Mechanisms, Risk Stratification, and Clinical Management

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Pathology

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes functional and structural brain changes.
• TBI is increasingly linked to neurodegenerative processes similar to dementia.
• These changes manifest as cognitive decline, behavioral alterations, and dementia-like symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the link between TBI and neurodegeneration.
• To outline the complex mechanisms underlying TBI-related neurodegeneration.
• To discuss epidemiological findings and current management strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on TBI and neurodegeneration.
• Analysis of mechanisms including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and protein homeostasis.
• Examination of epidemiological studies on TBI and dementia risk.

Main Results:

• TBI-induced neurodegeneration involves neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and protein misfolding (tau, beta-amyloid).
• These pathological processes mimic Alzheimer's disease.
• Moderate-to-severe TBI increases dementia risk, influenced by age and genetics.

Conclusions:

• TBI can initiate or accelerate neurodegenerative pathways.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Current management focuses on symptom relief, with ongoing research into underlying causes.