Long-term effects of concussion seen in the aging brain

Nov 1

A recent study published in NeuroImage by Danielle June et al. examined the long-term effects of concussion on brain structure and activity. As summarized in an article by the National Institute on Aging, researchers selected participants with an average age of 67 who had histories of concussion (average 23 years before the study). Subjects underwent serial MRI (to see structural changes), DTI (to visualize white matter tracts), and O-water PET (to measure blood flow) over several years. Researchers then compared subjects’ results to a non-concussion control group.

The group with prior concussions had more prevalent white matter damage in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and hippocampus, as well as increased ventricular tissue volume. Additionally, researchers found changes in concussion history subjects’ brain activity in the frontal and temporal lobes. The subjects also underwent neuropsychological examinations to address cognitive changes, though there were no significant differences in the two groups.

The authors conclude that “Most of the differences observed between the concussed and non-concussed groups were seen at the first imaging visit, suggesting that concussions can produce long-lasting structural and functional alterations in temporal and frontal regions of the brain in older individuals.”

Hannah Kennicott

Hannah Kennicott is an intern with Concussion Alliance and a contributor to the Weekly Concussion Update. She is a biology major at Carleton College, class of 2020. Though her main academic focus is biochemistry and microbiology, she is also interested in neuroscience, especially neurodegenerative diseases. When there's time, she also enjoys skiing, hiking, and watercolor painting. She is eager to be on board with Concussion Alliance because she believes improving concussion awareness, both in regards to prevention and treatment, is crucial for public health.