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Head trauma and long-term impacts

TCU's Chris Watts talks to USA Today about Brett Favre's Parkinson's diagnosis

Sep 30, 2024

2 min

Last week, NFL great Brett Favre revealed publicly that he has Parkinson's disease. It was an announcement that has also put the devastating affliction back in the media spotlight, and has experts and the public wondering if there's a link between high-impact sports like football and Parkinson's.

It's why researchers like Christopher Watts from TCU are getting contacted by national media looking for answers.

Head trauma alone is not the sole risk factor for Parkinson’s. Experts say the disease has also been linked to environmental factors, like exposure to certain pesticides or chemicals, and genetic mutations.

“If all the ingredients in the recipe come together, you may develop Parkinson’s disease,” said Christopher Watts, Texas Christian University's Dean of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, who researches the disease. “The reason why we know is because not every boxer develops Parkinson's disease… it has to be other things that are acting along with that exposure to head trauma.”

The median age for a Parkinson’s diagnosis is about 65, Watts said. At 54, Favre is on the younger end of that spectrum.

Parkinsonism – an umbrella term for brain conditions that cause slow movement, rigidity and tremors – has been well studied in boxers, Watts said. One of history’s most legendary boxers, Muhammad Ali, was diagnosed with the disease.

However, the research among football players isn't as robust. A 2023 study published in JAMA found participants with a history of playing organized football had higher odds of Parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease compared with those involved in other organized sports. But other studies have reported mixed findings, Watts said.

He said researchers must determine if there is a link.

“Football is such a big part of American society,” he said. “We need to know the answers to this.”

September 25 - USA Today

With the NFL season in full swing - this will be a subject that will be receiving ongoing coverage throughout the season. And if you're a journalist looking to know - then let us help with your stories, questions and coverage.

Chris Watts is the Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Texas Christian University and is an expert in the areas of neurological disorders.

Chris is available to speak with media about this important topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

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