Summary, originally published by the University of Alberta
Blocking seizures after a head injury could slow or prevent the onset of dementia, according to new research by University of Alberta biologists.
“Traumatic brain injury is a major risk factor for dementia, but the reason this is the case has remained mysterious,” said Ted Allison, co-author and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science. “Through this research, we have discovered one important way they are linked—namely, post-injury seizures.”
“Our data suggest that, at least in animal models, blocking these seizures also could have a benefit later in life by slowing or preventing the onset of dementia,” he explained. “A prophylactic treatment to prevent dementia is an exciting possibility, though there is much work to be done to develop our concept.”