Concussion effects can linger for decades

January 28, 2009 A first of its kind study to determine the long term effects of concussions finds a single concussion early in an athlete's career can take a toll on memory, attention and reaction time 30 years later.

The study in the journal Brain looked at 40 healthy former university level athletes between the ages of 50 and 60.

Researchers say, in light of these findings, athletes should be better informed about the cumulative and persistent effects of sports concussions on mental and physical processes.