After receiving a severe blow to the head, there is always a chance an individual could develop a concussion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although the effects of this injury tend to be temporary, they may lead to epilepsy and other complications.

Based on new research from the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology and the U-M Health System, accelerated brain aging may be another complication people with a history of concussions have to look out for.

During the study, researchers worked with participants from two groups: individuals who had suffered a concussion and those who did not. These subjects were asked to perform tasks in front of a computer, while images of their brains were also taken.

After examining differences between balance, gait and electrical activity in participants' brains, researchers found that declines were present in individuals who incurred a neurological injury up to six years prior to the study.

"Just because you've had a concussion does not mean your brain will age more quickly or you'll get Alzheimer's," said Steven Broglio, the University’s assistant professor of kinesiology. "We are only proposing how being hit in the head may lead to these other conditions."

If individuals have suffered at least one concussion in their lifetime, they may want to take an IQ test to see what effect it has had on their brain.