Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Early Neurorehabilitation After Head Injury Lowers Alzheimer's Risk
Dec 27, 2025
Early intervention after a head injury can significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and cognitive decline. Acting within the first week is crucial, as it helps contain inflammation and stabilize neural pathways. Neurorehabilitation therapies—including physical, cognitive, and speech therapies—amplify brain recovery. Additional treatments like DMSO, flotation therapy, and CBD can further support healing. Prioritizing prompt evaluations and therapies is essential, especially for older adults, to ensure the best long-term outcomes.
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There's A High-Plasticity Window Post-Injury
- The brain has a brief high-plasticity window post-injury when neurons reroute and new connections form.
- Stimulating useful pathways early prevents inflammation and abnormal signaling from becoming persistent.
Early Rehab Cuts Long-Term Alzheimer's Risk
- Starting structured neurorehabilitation within the first week after moderate or severe TBI sharply lowers later Alzheimer's and dementia risks.
- Early therapy leverages the brain's heightened repair phase to stabilize beneficial neural pathways.
Act Fast After Symptoms Appear
- Act immediately on confusion, headache, dizziness, slurred speech, or memory gaps and seek medical evaluation.
- Request neurorehabilitation (physical, occupational, cognitive, or speech therapy) within seven days to improve outcomes.