Andre Waters was an NFL defensive back for 12 years. During his playing years, he sustained multiple concussions. He committed suicide November 2006 at the age of 44.

The results of his brain autopsy have just been announced, and the pathologist from the University of Pittsburgh concluded that his brain cells had the appearance of an 85-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease. The pathologist also contends that the severe brain changes were caused by the multiple concussions Andre Walters had while playing football.

There is little doubt in my mind that multiple concussions (even as few as 2 or 3) can seriously damage your brain and lead to cognitive impairment, personality changes, and depression. I’ve seen this scenario present itself many times in clinic. Importantly, even one concussion can take a significant toll on your brain power.

Despite the fact there’s been a large number of studies published that support this view, the NFL is in denial.

Unfortunately, this denial trickles down to high school and college athletics. With well over 300,000 concussions happening per year in the U.S., parents need to really think twice about letting their kids play contact sports like football and hockey.

And what most people don’t realize, interestingly, is that a concussion doesn’t always involve losing consciousness or passing out. If you develop any confusion or disorientation whatsoever, you’ve met the American Academy of Neurology’s criteria for having one.

[For further reading, Michael Kaplen has some good posts up on his blog about concussions and the NFL, as well as traumatic brain injury.]

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