Is There A Link Between Concussions And Dementia

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In June 2007, Chris Benoit, a 40-12 months-old skilled wrestler, killed his son, his spouse and then himself. It's easy to be baffled by such a tragedy, however within the case of Benoit, his brain contained clues as to what might push an individual towards such violent habits. Docs from the Sports activities Legacy Institute, which is devoted to the examine of brain accidents in athletes, examined Benoit's brain. Their exams confirmed that it was riddled with the clumps, tangles and useless cells characteristic of Alzheimer's illness. Chris Benoit is not a novel case. A concussion is literally a bruise to the brain. When a person experiences a blow to the pinnacle or the head shifts too immediately, the brain strikes through the cerebral fluid and can hit the inside of the skull. A concussion can knock an individual unconscious and trigger memory loss, confusion, headaches, dizziness and ringing in the ears. It also can impair one's means to assume focus and concentration booster converse clearly.



A Grade One concussion results in short-term disorientation with out unconsciousness, and symptoms disappear inside quarter-hour. A Grade Two concussion is like a Grade One besides that signs last 15 minutes or longer. A Grade Three concussion, Memory Wave generally called a classic concussion, is probably the most severe, characterized by loss of consciousness, regardless of how transient. After any concussion, a person's brain is extremely weak for not less than a few days. Any additional concussions, or so-known as "mini concussions," during this interval can significantly compound the injury already inflicted. Another concussion may very well be fatal, which is typically the case with second impression syndrome, when the brain and its arteries swell dangerously. Symptoms that linger after a concussion are often referred to as post-concussion syndrome. These embody anxiety, complications, nausea, memory lapses, dizziness and problem sleeping and concentrating. Numerous skilled athletes have needed to retire due to persistent signs of submit-concussion syndrome. Making matters tougher is that the consequences of post-concussion syndrome may not present up in an MRI or CT scan.



In addition to all of the apparent dangers of concussions, rising evidence exhibits that repeated concussions, particularly in athletes, can lead to early-onset dementia and related disorders. Let us take a look at how concussions could be devastating for even probably the most physically succesful among us. The risk goes up drastically with extra severe head accidents, indicating that head trauma is a contributing factor for some people who develop Parkinson's. ­Boxers are infamous for suffering lots of the lengthy-term effects of concussions, notably because concussion risk will increase vastly after a person has already experienced one. Many former boxers experience blackouts, slurred speech, confusion and mood swings. The issue with reporting concussions is particularly acute within the NFL. On Sept. 30, 2004, former NFL participant Justin Strzelczyk died in a automotive crash on the age of 36 as he fled from police officers in a high-velocity chase. A put up-mortem test carried out three years later confirmed that Strzelczyk had brain injury akin to dementia. The analysis was chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), also known as punch drunk syndrome, boxer's syndrome or dementia pugilistica.



The mind of a affected person with CTE shows tangles and threads, resembling those found within the brains of Alzheimer's patients. In later phases, CTE patients develop the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. A minimum of three different deceased NFL gamers have been diagnosed with or showed sturdy proof of CTE. Mike Webster, Terry Long and Andre Waters died, respectively, at ages 50, 42 and 44. Lengthy and Waters committed suicide. Waters' mind resembled that of an octogenarian with Alzheimer's illness. In February 2007, former Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson announced that his health issues, which embody symptoms similar to those of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, may very well be traced to concussions sustained in rapid succession as a player. He additionally said that Patriots coach Bill Belichick had pressured him to play regardless of a coach's advice. Which will, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell established new rules for coping with concussions, including better educating players about the injury. The league described plans to develop a system by means of which players and officials can report if a physician or coach is not acting in the best interests of a player's well being. The NFL gamers union created a charitable fund to help former players suffering from dementia. Gamers now bear neuropsychological tests earlier than every season, though every workforce determines its personal rules relating to when players with head accidents can resume exercise. For more articles about concussions, dementia and different associated topics, attempt the links on the subsequent page. Are teenage brains actually totally different from adult brains? Can you delay dementia? Carpenter, Les. "'Mind Chaser' Tackles Effects of NFL Hits." Washington Publish. Schwartz, Alan. "Concussions Tied to Depression in Ex-N.F.L. Gamers." New York Occasions. Schwartz, Alan. "Darkish Days Follow Laborious-Hitting N.F.L. Profession." New York Instances. Schwarz, Alan. "Lineman, Useless at 36, Exposes Brain Accidents." New York Instances. Schwarz, Alan. "Silence on Concussions Raises Risks of Injury." New York Instances. Wanjek, Christopher. "When a Rolling Stone Bounces." Reside Science. Wanjek, Memory Wave Christopher. "Why NFL Players Undergo Dementia, Depression." Stay Science. Head and Brain Accidents.