The Bruising Saga Between Football and Alzheimer's Continues

Hi Dorian,

I have followed these studies. I have a nephew who loved playing football and it's always bothered me, as my dad's dementia was caused by a brain injury. Thanks for bringing this important topic to OA. It needs to be followed closely.

Carol

Dorian,

Thanks for the post and it is educational. Often I wonder why people want to do sports for life and endure major injuries. I guess these athletes have gifts and they are interested in the sport. It would be sad if it is done just for money. However, I believe that all sports need to protect people from having bad or permanent injuries. I personally am against boxing, for example.

Anyway, this study is good so people can take it serious and be cautious - real cautious!!

Nina

I just saw this promotion of a story planned for Sunday's "60 Minutes":

"Some distressing news for athletes who are involved in contact sports. New studies on the effects of severe repetitive head injury - including concussion - on athletes show that those injuries can result in degenerative brain disease. Correspondent Bob Simon speaks to doctors and a former pro football player whose brain has been damaged. Ted Johnson, a former New England Patriots linebacker who says he suffered more than 50 concussions in his career believes this information won't change the way players play. "If they play with fear, they're not going to be very good players. I don't see [football] changing. I don't."

In case you missed "60 Minutes" last night, here's the link where you can watch the story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5377319n&tag=nl.e882

Here's a story that ran last night on PBS on this topic, for those who are interested.