Outlook

The outlook for persons with dementia after head injury is difficult to predict with certainty.

• In general, outcome relates to the seriousness of the injury. Outcome is not always predictable, however. Some persons recover fully from severe injuries; others remain disabled for long periods after much milder injuries.
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• The dementia that follows head injury differs from other types of dementia. Many types of dementia, such as Alzheimer disease, get steadily worse over time. Dementia from head injury usually does not get worse over time. It may even improve somewhat over time. The improvement usually is slow and gradual and takes months or years.