New research being conducted by Dr. Lili-Naz Hazrati at the University of Toronto is investigating the association between head trauma and future risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. "Trauma is one of the risk factors involved in Alzheimer’s. It’s an area I’m [Dr. Hazrati] especially interested in, and where I’ve been able to make a breakthrough studying how concussions may cause inflammation in the brain. My lab is identifying the inflammatory pathways that, when activated, may eventually lead to the development of age-related brain diseases. Our findings reveal that head injuries trigger a type of chronic swelling in the brain that could be at play in Alzheimer’s. Looking at the disease through the lens of head injuries is a new and hopeful area. I also think it will be interesting to learn why some people don’t suffer any ill effects from head trauma. Those people might hold the key to a future Alzheimer’s treatment." To read more about the work being done in this area by Dr. Hazrati and her research lab, check out this recent article appearing in the Toronto Star.
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