If you have watched any new report within the last year or so then you undoubtedly are aware of the controversy surrounding the neurological effects of concussions in football. Data is still being gathered by doctors and scientists to discover what the long-term effects of repeated trauma to the head my lead to. Obviously, this problem is compounded in the combative sports world where the name of the name is to render your opponent unconscious by repeatedly pummeling them in the face.
Dementia pugilistica is a neurodegenerative disease, think dementia. Those of you familiar with the past greats of boxing are keenly aware of the ill effects of the fighter who failed to hang the gloves in time to escape being “punchy.” Fighters like Tony Zale, Meldrick Taylor, and Joe Fraizer are examples of the effects a prolonged career that includes repeated head trauma may lead to.
But, there is a concerted effort by the medical community to unlock the many questions and uncertainties of the human brain as it relates to concussions. Remarkably, North Texas may soon become the epicenter for medical research as it relates to the long-term effects on combative sport participants. Headed by Dr. Joshua Gatson and Joseph Mohmed an investigation will soon begin here in Dallas regarding a dietary supplement that may decrease long-term brain effects suffered from sport related concussions. This investigation is looking for boxers to assist in this research.
BOXERS NEEDED
Attention Boxers – Are you concerned about your long-term brain health? The goal of our research group is to design safe therapies to limit the amount of secondary injury following sports-related concussions. These treatments will be given in a rapid fashion to aid in the recovery process. Our research is focused on protecting the brain after each episode to decrease the cumulative effect of these sports concussions.
Sports-related concussions are a serious problem in football, boxing, and other full contact sports. After experiencing consecutive concussions, there is an increase in neurological deficits that can lead to long-term cognitive problems (Dementia pugilistica or punch drunk syndrome). To combat this increase in brain damage, novel strategies need to be developed to protect athletes that are participating in these full contact sports.
In this pilot clinical trial (The REPAIR Study), we are treating boxers in the North Texas area with a safe nutritional supplement immediately after a fight to aid in the recovery process. To measure the effect of the nutritional supplement we are using the ImPACT psychological test as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We are looking to recruit 24 boxers for the Pilot study and will compensate all boxers for their time.
If you are interested in this study, please contact either Dr. Joshua Gatson (817-637-8043) or Joseph Mohmed (214-803-5998). Also search for our Facebook page, “Repair-Dallas.”
Principle Investigator:
Joshua W. Gatson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Phone: 817-637-8043
Email: [email protected]
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