Discussion of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) tends to center on certain groups of people. For example, the risks that football players face have been a serious topic for years now. But the discussion of TBIs doesn’t focus as much on one specific group—senior citizens.
Elderly people are known to be more likely to break bones and suffer serious falls. But they also have a higher chance of experiencing other serious brain issues due to TBIs.
Senior citizens suffer the most TBIs
People over the age of 75 suffer the highest number of TBIs among the entire American population. Just in the years 2009 and 2010, doctors evaluated about 39 million older adults for new TBIs in emergency rooms.
On their own, these injuries may cause life-long disabilities or even death. But for elderly people who live with TBIs, the chance of further complications increases dramatically.
TBIs lead to several other problems
Experts have linked many mental illnesses and psychiatric disorders to TBIs in senior citizens. If an older person you care about has suffered a TBI, you should be on the lookout for symptoms of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Even if your loved one suffers a minor head injury, don’t assume they are fine. Research shows that the chance of dementia in old age more than doubles after even a mild TBI involving loss of consciousness.
It’s important to seek a medical evaluation for your loved one immediately following any head injury. If the injury was due to someone else’s negligence or neglect, you can seek justice for your loved one’s pain and suffering.
