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Diseases

Traumatic Brain Injuries May Increase Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Veterans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research has shed light on the potential connection between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Vietnam War veterans. The study, conducted by Ohio State University, examined the synergistic effects of TBI and genetic risk for AD on beta-amyloid (Ab) levels in a sample of 88 male veterans. The findings suggest that veterans with a history of TBI and higher polygenic risk scores for AD may be at increased risk for AD neuropathology.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant interaction between TBI and polygenic risk scores for AD, such that individuals with TBI and higher PRS for AD had lower Ab42/40, indicating greater amyloid deposition in the brain.
  • The relationship between TBI and PRS for AD may be stronger with increasing TBI severity, with a p-value of 0.05.
  • The study's results highlight the potential for TBI to increase the risk of AD neuropathology in individuals with a higher genetic propensity for AD.
  • The study's sample consisted of 88 male Vietnam War veterans, 49 of whom reported a prior TBI.
  • The Ohio State University TBI Identification Method was used to assess lifetime TBI history, and hierarchical linear regression models were employed to examine the interactive effects of TBI and PRS for AD on Ab42/40.

Statistics:

  • The sample included 88 male Vietnam War veterans, with a mean age of 68.3 years.
  • 49 of the participants reported a prior TBI, with injury severity defined as either mild or moderate/severe.
  • The Ab42/40 ratio was calculated, and genetic propensity for AD was assessed using polygenic risk scores (PRS).
  • The interaction between TBI and PRS for AD had a significant effect on Ab42/40, with a B value of -0.45 (95% CI: -0.86 to -0.05, p = 0.03).

Sources:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury and Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease Impact Cerebrospinal Fluid b-Amyloid Levels in Vietnam War Veterans. Neurotrauma Reports, 2024,5(1):760-769.
  • Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
  • Jena N. Moody, Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
  • Erica Howard, Kate E. Nolan, Sarah Prieto, Mark W. Logue, Jasmeet P. Hayes.

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