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Head injuries link to Alzheimer's Tuesday, 24 October, 2000, 10:46 GMT 11:46 UK - Doctors at the National Institute on Aging in the US have analysed the cases of soldiers who suffered head injuries during World War II. They found that those who suffered moderate head injuries were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's while those who experienced severe head injuries were four times as likely to develop the condition. The doctors have said that their findings to do not demonstrate a definite link between the two but show that there is a strong associated risk. They have called for further research to be carried out. The doctors analysed the medical records and interviewed 548 male Navy and Marine World War II veterans who were hospitalised during their period of service with a head injury. They compared these veterans with 1,228 men who had also served during the war but had no history of a head injury. They found that those who suffered mild head injuries - who had lost consciousness for no more than 30 minutes and had no skull fractures - were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Those who had suffered more severe head injuries - who had been hospitalised and had been unconscious for more than 24 hours - were four times more likely to have Alzheimer's disease. The doctors examined whether other factors including genetic predisposition, family history of dementia, education or alcohol use were contributory factors. However, they found no evidence for this. Further research Dr Richard Havlik, from the US National Institute on Aging, said further research was needed. "We now need to hone in on what is behind the findings, especially what may be happening biologically. "While we may not fully understand what is going on, as a practical matter, it may be one more reason to wear that bike helmet instead of keeping it in the closet." Dr Brenda Plassman, from Duke University who was also involved in the study, said the research was a further step towards stopping Alzheimer's disease. "Understanding how head injury and other Alzheimer's disease risk factors begin their destructive work early in life may ultimately lead to finding ways to interrupt the disease process early on." Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative and irreversible brain disorder that causes intellectual impairment, disorientation and eventually death. There is no cure. It is estimated that between 2 and 5% of people over 65 years of age and up to 20% of those over 85 years of age suffer from the disease. Related to this story: Alzheimer's disease 'can be reversed' (17 Oct 00 | Health) 'Chaos' over funds for Alzheimer's drugs (11 Oct 00 | Health) £14bn bill for Alzheimer's (21 Sep 00 | Health) Internet links: Alzheimer's Society Johns Hopkins University National Institute on Aging BBC News Online: Health http://news.bbc.co.uk/low/english/health/newsid_986000/986324.stm janet paterson 53 now / 44 dx cd / 43 onset cd / 41 dx pd / 37 onset pd TEL: 613 256 8340 URL: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/ EMAIL: [log in to unmask] SMAIL: PO Box 171 Almonte Ontario K0A 1A0 Canada