Ask the Doctor: Can a head injury increase my risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease?
By David Ginsburg, M.D.
Dr. David Ginsburg answers the question: “Can a head injury increase my risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease?”
Although head injury has not been clearly proven as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, several studies have suggested an association—particularly in men.
In at least one study, there was evidence that the observed time from traumatic brain injury to onset of Alzheimer’s disease was less than the expected time to onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, several studies evaluated the correlation between head trauma, the ApoE4 gene, an independent risk factor, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Upon reviewing the medical literature, no uniform conclusions could be determined. The association between head trauma and Alzheimer’s disease remains an active area of research.
David Ginsburg, M.D. is a neurologist practicing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
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