American neuroscientists from the University of Washington studied the connection between concussions from explosions in war zones and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Neurology.
Scientists analyzed protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of 51 American veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Each suffered approximately 20 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) during service from exposure to shock waves from explosions.
It was revealed that characteristic changes were found in certain proteins in the bodies of former military personnel who were shocked due to explosions. The same changes are seen in people who develop Alzheimer’s disease.
“The decrease in beta-amyloid 42 levels is the earliest detectable change caused by Alzheimer’s disease that can be detected in a cognitively normal person.
Changes may occur up to 20 years before symptoms appear. So a patient could have Alzheimer’s disease but also not have any problems with memory or thinking functions for 20 years,” said Professor Elaine Peskind, senior author of the study.
Previous scientists I learnedHe said concussions can harm heart health.