Three concussions cause serious brain damage, scientists have found

The journal Neurotrauma published a study by Oxford University researchers on neurological problems that are caused by repeated head injuries. The researchers' conclusion: three concussions are a turning point that causes serious problems later in life. Even if each of these injuries were minor, their cumulative effect could be devastating, Business Insider reports. During the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 UK residents aged 50 to 90 years, correlating the history of head injuries with changes in cognitive functions over time.

The results showed that three mild concussions lead to a deterioration in concentration and problem-solving ability. Four or more – to problems with memory and lower information processing speed. People who have experienced a single concussion of moderate or severe degree also have problems with concentration, problem solving and information processing.

"We know that head injuries are a major risk factor for dementia", - says Vanessa Raymont, study leader, a psychiatrist at the University of Oxford, "and this large–scale study provides the most detailed information to date on a striking conclusion: the more times you injure your brain, the worse your brain function can be with age".

The researchers note that this information is especially important for people who are at risk of head injuries due to the peculiarities of work or during sports. It is known that contact sports like football are associated with severe head injuries, which in the future cause dementia and other neurological diseases in athletes.