Study associates concussions with memory loss

On Behalf of | May 27, 2015 | Brain Injuries

New Mexico football fans may be interested to learn that a study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that former professional players are at risk for brain atrophy as they age if they suffered a concussion during their career. Ultimately, those who have a history of concussions that left them unconscious for a short period of time suffered from impaired memory performance.

For the study, researchers used data collected from 28 retired NFL players, eight of which suffered a mild cognitive impairment, and a control group consisting of 21 individuals who had no history of concussion. Six additional participants suffered s mild cognitive impairment but had not suffered a concussion in the past. Ultimately, it was found that former NFL players who had suffered both a concussion and a mild cognitive impairment had lower scores on memory tests than those who had no history of concussions or mild cognitive impairments.

In most cases, those who have a history of concussions or mild cognitive impairments appear to have suffered damage to their hippocampus. Damage to the hippocampus has reportedly been linked to other neurological disorders that can affect a person’s emotions and even their memory function.

A person who suffers permanent brain damage that was not properly diagnosed by a medical professional may have the grounds to file a medical malpractice claim. An attorney may assist by gathering evidence in the form of the victim’s medical records and in the form of expert witness testimony. In many cases, the injured person may seek compensation for certain damages associated with their injuries, which could include the cost of treatment and rehabilitation as well as lost wages that resulted from an inability to return to gainful employment.

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