Traumatic Brain Injuries in Older Adults Linked to Dementia and Care Needs

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has found that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in older adults are associated with new cases of dementia, increased use of home care services, and admission to long-term care facilities. The study analyzed data on over 260,000 adults aged 65 and older with and without TBI between 2004 and 2020. The researchers found that TBI was a significant risk factor for dementia, with a 69% increased risk of subsequent dementia in the first 5 years and a 56% increased risk beyond 5 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Traumatic brain injuries in older adults are a significant risk factor for dementia, with over 50% of TBIs in this age group resulting from falls.
  • The study found that TBI was associated with a 69% increased risk of subsequent dementia in the first 5 years and a 56% increased risk beyond 5 years.
  • Age and female sex were associated with higher risk of dementia, with about 1 in 3 people aged 85 and older predicted to develop dementia after TBI.
  • Income was also linked to dementia risk, with people from low-income neighborhoods at higher risk of dementia than those in high-income neighborhoods.
  • People living in smaller communities, low-income regions, and areas with less ethnic diversity were more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility.
  • The study's findings suggest that specialized programs and support services should be prioritized for female older adults living in smaller communities and low-income and low-diversity areas.
  • The researchers intend for their results to help clinicians and families navigate the effects of a TBI and understand long-term risks.

Statistics:

  • More than 50% of TBIs in older adults result from falls.
  • Over 1 million people in Canada over age 65 will experience a TBI in their lifetime.
  • New TBI was associated with 87 days of publicly funded home care, compared to 84 days for people without TBI.
  • People aged 85 and older had a 69% increased risk of dementia after TBI.
  • Female sex and low-income neighborhoods were associated with higher risk of dementia.
  • People living in smaller communities were more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility (31.1% vs. 24.2%).

Sources:

  • "Tranumatic brain injuries in older adults associated with new cases of dementia, home care, and long-term care" published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), available online at: https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250361.
  • NewsRx LLC, "Traumatic Brain Injuries in Older Adults Linked to Dementia and Care Needs" (2025).