Boston University School of Medicine Receives $1 Million Unrestricted Gift From NFL to Further Brain Injury Research  

April 20- Researchers at BU testified before the US House Judiciary Committee last year that they had scientific proof that repetative blows to the head in sports can cause a degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE.  Previously known to afflict many boxers, evidence of the disease has now been found in professional and collegiate football players and a pro hockey player.  

A progressive disease  caused by repetitive concussive and subconcussive brain trauma, it eventually leads to dementia, sometimes at any early age. Former NFL players Andre Waters died at 44, Justin Strzelczyk was 36, and Tom McHale was  just 45.  There are more.

Chris Nowinski, former WWE star, and Harvard University football player, chose to retire after suffering a number of concussions.  Alarmed at the lack of attention paid to sports-related brain injuries he founded  Sports Legacy Institute and is also Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy (CSTE), along with Boston University's Dr. Robert Cantu, Dr. Ann McKee, and Dr. Robert Stern.  Chris noted, "The grant will primarily be used to support our continuing pathology work... including identifying a way to diagnose CTE in living persons, as well as pharmacological interventions."

Dr. Cantu, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery At BU School of Medicine said, " We are extremely grateful to Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL owners for their suppport of this important research.  These unrestricted funds allow us to accelerate our research with independence and scientific integrity.

Over 200 current and former athletes are on the CSTE's Brain Donation Registry.

For further information contact:      Megan Duff, MPH, Research Coordinator, mawulff@bu.edu