On Monday we wrote about O.J. Murdock, the latest NFL athlete to take his own life. His family donated his brain tissue to researchers to investigate a potential link between football-related head injuries and depression. A massive class action lawsuit and similar suicides suggest that such a link exists.
Football players may have another reason to be cautious about head injuries, according to new research published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Scientists say that a single traumatic brain injury (TBI) can disrupt the flow of a certain protein that prevents Alzheimer’s disease.
“A moderate-to-severe TBI, or head trauma, is one of the strongest environmental risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease,” said Kendall Walker, Ph.D, of the Tufts University School of Medicine.
People who experience a moderate TBI will lose consciousness for at least half an hour and might experience some minor memory loss. Severe TBIs involve a loss of consciousness for at least 24 hours and memory loss for at least a week.
Researchers used mice and brain tissue samples from deceased Alzheimer’s patients to reach their conclusions.
Several athletes risk moderate to severe TBIs, such as football players, rock climbers, bicyclists and boxers. If you or someone you know lost consciousness in a sports-related accident, they may have experienced a traumatic brain injury, and you may be able to seek justice against a negligent party. Call us to schedule a free consultation at (615) 866-3938 to discuss your options.
“For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20.