Study finds brain injury linked to later neurological illness

Researchers have found that people who suffer a traumatic brain injury are significantly more likely to develop serious brain and mental health conditions later in life. The study, which reviewed 57 separate pieces of research, showed that a prior head injury raised the odds of developing any neurological or psychiatric illness by around 67 percent.

The risk was particularly high for mental health conditions, where the odds were doubled compared to people without a head injury. Conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression were all linked to previous brain trauma.

Importantly, even mild head injuries, where the person did not lose consciousness, were connected to a higher risk of dementia. The findings applied to military veterans and older adults alike.