Cognitive decline and aging: the role of concussive and subconcussive impacts

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2012 Jul;40(3):138-44. doi: 10.1097/JES.0b013e3182524273.

Abstract

Concussion has been viewed historically as a transient injury with no evidence supporting the existence of persistent effects. However, our recent work demonstrates electroencephalographic and motor control changes in otherwise healthy individuals with a history of concussion. We therefore hypothesize that concussive and subconcussive head impacts set about a cascade of pathological events that accelerates declines in cognitive function typically associated with the aging process.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Brain Concussion / physiopathology*
  • Cognitive Reserve*
  • Humans