Boxer Muhammad Ali and his equally handsome grandson in
a Louis Vuitton ad
The very nature of boxing often entails
fighters trading punches and usually to the head. However,
as with other contact sports such as American football,
athletes have learned head injuries can have a long lasting
impact on their health and life. The medical term
Encephalopathy was coined to cover a spectrum of conditions
that can be classified as brain disease.
A wave of American football players began
suffering brain disorders that resembled Alzheimer's and
Parkinsons due to constant blows to the head resulting in
concussions. The symptoms include memory loss, tremors,
diminished cognitive ability, confusion, difficulty
concentration, seizures, mood swings, depression,
dementia and suicidality.
Muhamad Ali and another beloved star, actor Michael J.
Fox, both have Parkinsons. My theory is the constant blows
to the head Ali sustained in his storied boxing career and
an injury Fox sustained on the set of the "Back To The
Future" film, where his head was caught in a prop, initiated
Parkinsons in them (head injuries/brain injuries).
While the focus of the mental condition
has largely been on American football players, boxers are
also in danger of developing encephalopathy and need to be
monitored and if necessary treated for the medical
condition. A number of boxers have reported symptoms that
carry some of the traits of encephalopathy.
While some boxers pride themselves on being
able to take punishment in the ring, the style of hit and
don't get hit is the better, healthier option. A shorter
number of rounds, as opposed to 12, is also better (in the
United Kingdom the standard fight has 8 rounds). On the
whole, modern referees have become far more cautious and
willing to stop fights when they are of the belief a fighter
is in mortal danger or a serious health problem is about to
occur. Some boxers do not like their fights being stopped
over injuries they personally do not deem significant, but
referees are erring on the side of caution.
For years boxer Frank Bruno had struggled with
depression and related issues, after sustaining blows to the
head during the course of his career. He became suicidal
13-years ago and was admitted to a hospital for mental
health treatment. He retired from boxing at age 34. Bruno is
now 54 and seeks to make a boxing comeback, which is
inadvisable, as it could exacerbate his depression and any
underlying medical conditions related to the brain. I have
wondered if Bruno is struggling with the beginning stages of
brain disease due to some of his symptoms. However, I hope
not. Nonetheless, he must continue to stick to an
appropriate and effective treatment plan for his depression.
As stated in the January 22, 2014 article
How To
Reap The Benefits Of Boxing While Avoiding The Pitfalls:
"The brain is delicate. It is a part of the human
body that does not easily withstand injury. I am of the belief head
injuries sustained in combat, accidents and sports, as well as brain
hemorrhages (aneurysm or stroke) greatly increases the risk of
developing Parkinsons or Alzheimer’s. People with the aforementioned
injuries are more prone to depression and regrettably suicide. It’s
crucial that one recognizes the signs of depression early and seek
medical treatment and therapy to ward off its effects.
Brain injury leads the body to release distress
chemicals that triggers feelings of sadness, confusion, doubt and
depression. Basically, it’s a distress signal. Your body telling you
there’s a problem. Athletes in contact sports are more prone to
depression. Head injuries some boxers sustain contribute to
depression. This sometimes leads to drug use, such as cocaine, in
failed attempts at feeling better. So, protect your head as best you
can."
