Citation

Wang HK, Lin SH, Sung PS, Wu MH, Hung KW, Wang LC, Huang CY, Lu K, Chen HJ, Tsai KJ. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry 2012; 83(11): 1080-1085.

Affiliation

Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/jnnp-2012-302633

PMID

22842203

Abstract

ObjectiveThe relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the risk of dementia remains controversial. This population based study was designed to estimate and compare the risk of dementia in TBI and non-TBI individuals during the 5 year period after TBI.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. We included 44 925 patients receiving ambulatory or hospital care and 224 625 non-TBI patients; patients were matched for sex, age and year of index use of healthcare. Patients <15 years of age and those admitted to the intensive care unit were excluded. Each individual was studied for 5 years to identify the subsequent development of dementia. Data were analysed by Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsDuring the 5 year follow-up period, 1196 TBI (2.66%) and 224 625 non-TBI patients (1.53%) patients developed dementia. During the 5 year follow-up period, TBI was independently associated with a 1.68 (range 1.57-1.80) times greater risk of dementia after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and selected comorbidities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest an increased risk of dementia among individuals with TBI. We suggest the need for more intensive medical monitoring and health education in individuals with TBI.

Language: en