Traumatic brain injuries sometimes result in permanent disabilities, leaving Maryland residents in need of Social Security benefits. While repetitive traumatic brain injuries can certainly cause permanent damage to anyone, a recent study suggests that such injuries are especially damaging to those who are overweight.

Researchers studied former NFL football players, and found that the players who carried excess weight scored lower on mental-function tests and experienced reduced blood flow to important areas of the brain, as compared to former players of a healthy weight. The overweight players also displayed lower cognitive-function ability, the study found.

The senior study author said in a news report that researchers concluded that as a player's weight went up, his ability to reason, pay attention and use his memory went down.

The study adds to the field of knowledge about the known link between obesity and cognitive issues. Earlier studies have already tied being overweight to a higher risk of dementia.

In another recent study, athletes with with a higher waist-to-height ratio were found to have less blood flow to certain areas of the brain, which are linked to attention, memory, reasoning and judgment.

Some of the cognitive defects that researchers noticed in the players were modest. These included simple slips of memory, forgetting to pick up something at the store, or saying something inappropriate.

While the study's authors hope the findings provide a clear warning to athletes involved in collision and contact sports, bearing excess weight can also increase the risk of cognitive issues developing in people who have suffered head injuries in car accidents or other events.

The researchers suggested that to lower the risk of developing these problems, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, avoid stress, eat healthy, get enough sleep and exercise.

Source: Health.com, "Head Injuries and Excess Weight a Hazardous Combo for NFL Players," Amanda Gardner, Jan. 17, 2012