In the last decade we've begun to hear more about the  long-term effects of concussions and head injuries on athletes.

With the  startling increase of erratic and deteriorating mental conditions in athletes,  like those that led to the suicides of high-profile athletes like the  NFL's Andre Waters and Dave Duerson and University of Pennsylvania's Owen  Thomas, doctors and athletes are searching for possible  links between brain injuries and dementia. Here's a rundown on what we know so far,  and what preventative measures can be taken.

What is Boxer's  Dementia?

Boxer's Dementia, more commonly referred to as chronic  traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and also known as dementia pugilistica, is caused by repeated concussive and  sub-concussive injuries to the head, such as those frequently suffered by boxers and football players.

These repeated head traumas can result in neuronal  death, the loss of communication between nerve cells, the degeneration of brain tissue and the build up of tau protein. Because CTE is a slowly progressive degenerative  disease, the severity of its symptoms will increase in time, beginning with  symptoms such as impaired concentration, memory loss and occasional dizziness  and headaches; and progressing to more severe symptoms such as poor judgment, tremors,  poor impulse control, mood disorders and vertigo.

Complicated Diagnosis

Though research into the link  between boxers and dementia began in the 1920s, it has recently been widened to  include all contact sports with a high occurrence of repeated head trauma.

One of the most troubling aspects of the disease is that there  are no standardized diagnostic tools known to indicate the presence of CTE, and  because the symptoms occur progressively—often during middle age, years after  the brain trauma has been sustained—it is difficult to detect before the  person becomes symptomatic.

However, studies postulate that occurrences of CTE may be affected by the chosen sport, duration of career and age when injuries occurred. Researchers are also investigating whether a genetic predisposition is a factor.

The Stats


Because research on CTE is still in its early stages, there  are no known methods of reversing or halting its progression. However, the  increase in knowledge of the impact brain injuries can have can help raise  sport equipment standards to a safer level.

Because of CTE research, some doctors  are also more cautious about releasing athletes who have suffered head  injuries back into competitive play, and are developing stricter recovery  timelines for concussed players.

In some sports, officials can also rethink or  implement new or stricter penalties for intentional plays that will cause significant head injuries. However, the best method of prevention is to  eliminate injuries to the head.