One concussion is all is takes

THREE mild concussions over a lifetime is all it takes to significantly impede brain function later in life and triple the risk of dementia.

The UK-based research analysed data from over 15,000 participants of the online PROTECT study, which is dedicated to better understanding who the brain ages and why people develop dementia.

Participants were asked to report the severity and frequency of concussions they had experienced throughout their lives using a detailed questionnaire and completed annual, computerised tests over four years to measure any changes in cognitive functions.

The study found that three episodes of even mild concussions lead to significantly worse concentration and ability to complete complex tasks. Those with four or more episodes also showed worse processing speed and working memory. Furthermore, just one moderateto-severe concussion was associated with worse concentration, ability to complete complex tasks and processing speed.

On average, participants reported suffering their last head injury an average of 29 years prior to the study and their first an average of 39 years earlier.

“We know that head injuries are a major risk factor for dementia, and this largescale study gives the greatest detail to date on a stark finding – the more times you injure your brain in life, the worse your brain function could be as you age,” says Dr Vanessa Raymont, senior author of the study from the University of Oxford.

Helen Brooker, a study co-author from the University of Exeter says that “cognitive rehabilitation should focus on key functions such as concentration span and completion of complex tasks, which we found to be especially susceptible to long-term damage.”

The study’s authors acknowledge that the factors like socioeconomic status and other covariates may affect these findings.

People with a history of concussions should be wary of the potential dangers of continuing activities that have a potential risk of head trauma.

Call for government to aid GPs How to banish the kid’s nits

THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is doubling down on calls for an urgent funding injection in the May Budget to improve access to GP care.

“We need serious investment in general practice care and long-term reforms that ensure all Australians have access to highquality care, no matter their postcode or income,” says RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins.

health system include reinstating patient rebates for longer phone consults, mental health and GP management plans and tripling bulk billing incentives.

Programs to encourage junior doctors to intern in general practice and a revamp of the current pharmacy ownership and location laws are also urged by the RACGP, in order to boost the GP workforce and improve medicine access.

“I implore our political leaders to stand strong. Bandaid solutions and cheap quick fixes will not work. And frankly nobody deserves second rate care.”

PARENTS are being warned about the high chances of their children coming home with head lice this year.

Statistics show that between 20-30 per cent of primary students are likely to get head lice at some stage. Itching and scratching around the back of the neck and behind the ears are common symptoms of head lice.

Parents can opt for chemical-based or essential oil-based, such as tea tree oil, treatments to get rid of lice. Pharmacies stock a range of treatments for head lice, including special combs, shampoo and conditioner, creams and other products. A fine-tooth comb is an essential tool to remove the nits and to check if the lice are dead after treatment. Lice can be resistant to certain products, meaning a retreatment with a different active-ingredient group is needed.

Be cautious when using lice treatments around pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12 months, people with allergies, asthma of open wounds on the scalp. Don’t hesitate to ask the pharmacist for advice on the best treatment.