In Observance of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Ground breaking Research Illuminates the Link Between Brain Trauma and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Dr. Sid O’Bryant Unveils Hidden Impact of Brain Injuries on Long-Term Cognition

Fort Worth, TX (March 12, 2024) – In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month this March, The Institute for Translational Research (ITR) at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, under the leadership of Dr. Sid O’Bryant, is bringing critical attention to the cognitive abilities that are affected due to brain injuries. Dr. O’Bryant, a renowned expert in Alzheimer’s research, emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuanced ways brain injuries can affect cognitive health and potentially increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

“Brain injuries are not just immediate traumas; they have long-lasting effects that can subtly influence cognitive health over time,” stated O’Bryant. “Our research aims to unravel these complex interactions, especially how brain injuries might accelerate or exacerbate conditions like Alzheimer’s in diverse populations.”

The Institute’s efforts during Brain Injury Awareness Month include community outreach that includes partnership with local churches and continued research into the relationship between brain injuries and cognitive disorders. By focusing on the intersection of brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. O’Bryant’s team hopes to pioneer preventative strategies and interventions that can mitigate the long-term effects of brain injuries on cognitive health.

This March, the ITR encourages everyone to learn more about the risks associated with brain injuries and the importance of protective measures. Through awareness and education, Dr. O’Bryant and his team believe that we can make significant strides in protecting cognitive health and improving outcomes for those affected by brain injuries.

About Dr. Sid O’Bryant: Dr. O’Bryant’s work encompasses health disparities in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and the identification of precision medicine approaches to neurodegenerative diseases. He is the principal investigator of the Health & Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities (HABS-HD), the most comprehensive study of Alzheimer’s disease among the three largest racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. ever conducted. His work aims to lead to population-specific precision medicine approaches to treating and preventing Alzheimer’s disease.