“ It ’ s possible that our findings reflect that adults who are healthier , wealthier and more active are more able or likely to engage in activities that carry risk for TBI .”
Issue 33.3 SUMMER 2024
Activities of healthier seniors may place them at higher risk Participants who went on to be diagnosed with TBI were less likely when they enrolled in the study to have lung disease and to have trouble with the activities of daily living , like bathing , walking and getting out of bed . They also were more likely to have normal cognition .
“ It ’ s possible that our findings reflect that adults who are healthier , wealthier and more active are more able or likely to engage in activities that carry risk for TBI ,” said Kornblith , who is also affiliated with the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences .
“ While most TBIs in older people occur from falls at ground level , if you are in a wheelchair or bedbound , you don ’ t have as many opportunities for traumatic injuries ,” she added . “ It ’ s also possible that participants with cognitive impairment are more limited in their activity and have less opportunity to fall .”
But the findings may mask the true incidence of injury , since the data only reflect cases of TBI in which patients were diagnosed and received care . A 2007 study found that 42 % of respondents to an online survey did not seek medical attention after TBI .
“ We know that older adults who experience falls , the largest segment of Americans with TBI , as well as lower-resourced adults — including those subjected to racial and ethnic micro-aggressions in a medical setting — are less likely to seek care ,” Kornblith said . “ It ’ s possible that our data did not capture the true burden of TBI in this population .”
The study ’ s findings may raise questions at a time when physical activity is vigorously recommended to reduce or slow the development of dementia .
“ The overall evidence still overwhelmingly sides with physical activity being neuroprotective ,” said Gardner , who is now at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel . “ However , taking measures to optimize safety and mitigate falls is critical . These measures need to change over the life-course as an individual accumulates physical or cognitive disabilities , or both .” g
“ It ’ s possible that our findings reflect that adults who are healthier , wealthier and more active are more able or likely to engage in activities that carry risk for TBI .”
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