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Neurodegeneration and Traumatic Brain Injury in the Military | 93210

Journal of Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology

Abstract

Neurodegeneration and Traumatic Brain Injury in the Military

Alyssa Farkas*

Unfortunately, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a frequent occurrence in the military. The public is now more aware of TBI in the military as a result of the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq. The most prevalent damage mechanism specific to the military is blast exposure. Recent veterans have been particularly concerned about blast-related mild TBI (mTBI), while there is still debate over whether or not post-traumatic stress disorder and the associated postconcussion syndrome should be considered separate disorders. TBI is also a risk factor for the emergence of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) (AD). Chronic inflammation is connected to AD, TBI, and CTE. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have discovered several genetic loci linked to AD that point to inflammation and, in particular, microglia, as important regulators of the degenerative processes linked to AD and TBI. TREM2 and TYROBP/ DAP12 are parts of a crucial molecular hub that connects inflammation and microglia to the pathogenesis of AD and perhaps TBI, according to recent research. Reviewing the data on the link between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and dementia in the context of how it relates to military veterans.

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