Heavy toll of brain injuries affects us all

News that a single head trauma early in life can lead to devastating dementia in later years is worrying but the vital research serves to better guard against the illness.

Growing numbers of people are being diagnosed with dementia in all its forms and it has been identified as one of the greatest challenges that will face the health service in coming decades.

Having established it can be caused so easily means wider safeguards can be put in place.

Already, a growing awareness of sports injuries has led to campaigns against heavy tackling in high-impact sports like rugby and American football.

Heading the ball in football at an early age is also increasingly frowned upon and banned in some jurisdictions. Use of helmets is encouraged in cycling and other adventure sports and car safety improvements are reducing instances of head trauma.

Of course, not every eventuality can be catered for and risk cannot be negated in every instance — without it, we cannot progress and develop.

There is no need to develop a so-called nanny state and no one is demanding such.

But unnecessary risk, especially in young people, can and should be avoided to protect against the heavy toll of brain injuries on the nation’s health and finances in future generations.