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Objective: To determine, using a systematic review of case-control studies, whether head injury is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. We sought to replicate the findings of the meta-analysis of Mortimer et al (1991). Methods: A predefined inclusion criterion specified case-control studies eligible for inclusion. A comprehensive and systematic search of various electronic databases, up to August 2001, was undertaken. Two independent reviewers screened studies for eligibility. Fifteen case-control studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria, of which seven postdated the study of Mortimer et al. Results: We partially replicated the results of Mortimer et al. The meta-analysis of the seven studies conducted since 1991 did not reach significance. However, analysis of all 15 case-control studies was significant (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.06), indicating an excess history of head injury in those with Alzheimer's disease. The finding of Mortimer et al that head injury is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease only in males was replicated. The excess risk of head injury in those with Alzheimer's disease is only found in males (males: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.06; females: OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.47). Conclusions: This study provides support for an association between a history of previous head injury and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the long-term changes in patients who had previously suffered from head injury. In some cases, any impairment and disability after two to three years of recovery is fairly fixed. Clinicians are likely to expect any subsequent deterioration such as hydrocephalus. Related studies found out that such changes could sometimes be for better and others are for worse.

The article discusses the study by L. Turner-Stokes and colleagues published in the May 2006 issue of the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry," which discusses the cost efficiency of neurorehabilitation. Assessment of the patient's dependency was used to estimate the daily cost of care. Dependency of admission were compared to those at discharge and the reduction in daily continuing care cost were calculated