Virginia patients who have sustained a moderate or severe brain injury should know that brain injuries are a known risk factor for certain diseases that slowly destroy the brain like Alzheimer’s disease. A study also showed that those who have a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s may experience accelerated brain deterioration if they suffer a mild traumatic brain injury such as a concussion.

Researchers analyzed the potential connection between a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s and concussion in veterans. In addition, the researchers discovered brain abnormalities caused by concussions present in a group of veterans who had an average age of 32. The early onset of the brain abnormalities could be a way to detect brain deterioration at an earlier time. As such, researchers noted that it is important that concussion events and other traumatic brain injuries be documented, no matter how mild.

Dementia and associated disorders attack the brain, and over time, a person can suffer a mental decline severe enough to interfere with his or her daily life. While there are currently 5 million people in the U.S. who are estimated to be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it is expected that the number will rise as the population grows older. Further, there are no cures, and the disease cannot be prevented.

If someone sustains a concussion or traumatic brain injury in a car accident, he or she may be at risk for experiencing brain deterioration in the form of dementia years after the accident. A personal injury attorney may assist with seeking compensation for the injuries that the person suffered. If there is evidence that the individual will need future rehabilitation, a lawyer may seek the cost of present and future medical bills. An attorney usually negotiates with the responsible party outside of court. In the rare event that an agreement cannot be reached, the case could potentially go to trial.