The Senate Special Committee on Aging recently explored the potential link between brain injuries and the development of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease later in life.
The committee heard testimony from Ben Utecht, a former NFL player; Chris Nowinski, a former college football player and professional wrestler; and a range of industry experts.
Individuals with a history of moderate traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life, and individuals with a history of severe TBI are four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, said she was troubled by the findings of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“More research is required to establish definitively that there is a link between head injuries and neurological diseases later in life, but it is clear that this important research could lead to a better understanding of devastating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and ALS,” Collins said. “This critical research could also benefit our veterans and troops on the ground, far too many of whom have experienced TBI and its painful lasting effects.”
Researchers testified during the hearing that there was a growing body of evidence that repeated traumatic brain injuries lead to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and potentially to Alzheimer’s or other neurological complications.
Boston University School of Medicine Professor of Neurology Robert Stern said technological advancements have made it easier to diagnose brain activity changes that result from head trauma. He highlighted the importance of more federal support for research.