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Head Injury and Alzheimer's


WebMD Answers to Questions

Question:


Is it possible for someone to develop Alzheimer's disease as a result of a blow to the head or repeated blows to the head? Is it possible for someone to develop Alzheimer's disease because they have been in a car accident? Or is it an absolute certainty that someone will develop Alzheimer's disease because of a onetime accident or repeated head injury? I ask this question because I have come across a friend who has been in a car accident and she claims that her neurologist says that Alzheimer's disease is a certainty in her future. As far as I know Alzheimer's is a brain disease, and I find it unbelievable that someone can develop a disease from a blow to the head. Just as I would find it unbelievable to tell someone after hitting their thumb with a hammer that they will develop cancer to the arm (as a direct result). My friend was not told that she would develop the symptoms of this disease, but rather the disease itself. I would just like to know if this is possible. Everything that I know about Alzheimer's disease tells me that this is just not possible. But I hesitate to talk to her until I know the truth.

Answer:

I don't know the specific area of the brain that may have been injured in your friend's accident. However, research shows that those who have one or more previous head traumas have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as they age.

I am not aware of any study that would be so strong as to say that previous head injuries are a sure track to Alzheimer's. Remember that our chances are 50/50 anyway if we live to age 85. I recently ran into a young man in a store (in his early 30s) who had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's after having several concussions in sports injuries in high school.

I don't know where your friend's doctor got such definite causal information, and he/she may be correct. The reality is, at least until cause and effect for Alzheimer's is discovered, there is nothing any of us can do to prevent it. I think we all have to live our lives in the healthiest and happiest way possible.

WebMD Answers to Questions

The opinions expressed herein are the guest's alone and have not been reviewed by a WebMD physician. If you have a question about your health, you should consult your personal physician. This event is meant for informational purposes only.
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