TBI is a recognized midlife risk factor for dementia. Until now, however, population-level estimates of dementia incidence after TBI in later life remain unknown. In the current study, researchers described the magnitude of the link between late-life TBI, the rate of incident dementia, and care needs. They also investigated the social determinants of health linked to greater dementia risk.
To do so, they analyzed data from over 260,000 individuals from Ontario, Canada. Half of the participants had a new TBI between 2004 and 2020, and half did not. They were followed for up to 17 years; up until 2021 or death.
Ultimately, new TBI was linked to a 69% higher risk of dementia in the first five years, and a 56% higher risk beyond five years. It was also linked to more days of publicly funded home care- whereas those with new TBI had 87 days of such care, those without had 84 days.
Age, female sex, and living in a low-income neighborhood were also linked to a higher risk of dementia. Meanwhile, those living in smaller communities, low-income regions, and areas with less ethnic diversity were more likely to be admitted into long-term care facilities.
“Our findings suggest that, to better align limited health resources with population needs, specialized programs such as community-based dementia prevention programs, and support services should be prioritized for female older adults (≥ 75 yr) living in smaller communities and low-income and low-diversity areas,” wrote the researchers in their study.
“Reducing injury burden and addressing disparities in outcomes will require upstream preventive efforts, such as fall prevention, and tailored access to post-TBI rehabilitation and support services,” they added.
