PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Fleminger, S
AU  - Oliver, D L
AU  - Lovestone, S
AU  - Rabe-Hesketh, S
AU  - Giora, A
TI  - Head injury as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease: the evidence 10 years on; a partial replication
AID  - 10.1136/jnnp.74.7.857
DP  - 2003 Jul 01
TA  - Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
PG  - 857--862
VI  - 74
IP  - 7
4099  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/74/7/857.short
4100  - http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/74/7/857.full
SO  - J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry2003 Jul 01; 74
AB  - 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.