All Policies Include Coronavirus Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
12 April 2018 08:49
Dementia affects around 47 million people worldwide
A recent study has revealed that people who sustain brain injuries are at an increased risk of developing dementia later in life.
The study of 2.8 million people showed that those who have had traumatic brain injuries at some stage in their life are 24% more likely to get dementia than those who haven't.
The risk was vastly increased if the person sustained a brain injury during their 20s, who were 63% more likely to develop the condition.
The TBI factor
Dementia affects around 47 million people worldwide, and that number is supposedly going to double in the next two years.
This large study was carried out in Denmark over a 36-year period. It found that those who had even suffered one TBI (concussion) were 17% more likely to get dementia.
Those who suffered a TBI in their 30s were 37% more likely to develop the condition, while those in their 50s were only looking at a 2% increase in chances.
Professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Jesse Fann, said that the study highlighted important issues involving inadequate efforts to prevent traumatic brain injuries in young people.
She did assure, however, that the findings "do not suggest that everyone who suffers a traumatic brain injury will go on to develop dementia in later life." Only 5% of the people studied actually went on to develop the disease, and only about 5% of these had suffered a TBI.
Other factors
Dr Doug Brown of the Alzheimer's Society suggested that brain injuries were a "much smaller" contributory factor than smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. He noted that the two latter factors were "much easier for us all to do something about."
Drinking in moderation, a healthy diet and not smoking are all positive steps towards prevention of developing the disease, said director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, Dr Carol Routledge.
The study was carried out on a largely similar ethic population, which cannot accurately represent ethnic groups from other countries, Dr Fann outlined.
We have a wide range of medical insurance packages to keep you covered on holiday. Find the right one for you.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
[more...]
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.