TNF and dementia: In addition, given that post-TBI cytokines — such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha — may trigger a self-perpetuating cytokine cycle, and that there is a documented association between inflammation and cardiac dysfunction as discussed previous, we hypothesize that prolonged-inflammation and the consequent cardiac abnormalities may conspire to bring about dementia pathologies in certain females with TBI.