Head Games: The Link Between Multiple Concussions and Alzheimer's

Christopher Nowinski (right) is a former Harvard football player and professional wrestler who suddenly began suffering debilitating symptoms including cognitive problems, severe headaches, and depression. Christopher was eventually diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS).  Christopher began a personal journey to understand his condition. He realized that he had suffered many concussions while playing football and wrestling. Upon reviewing the research, he discovered that multiple concussions can lead to serious long-term neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, memory impairment, and depression.

Christopher was most disturbed about the implications for young athletes who play contact sports. Concussions can happen with frightening regularity, with most going undiagnosed. Professional players, young athletes, parents, and coaches on all levels remain without the information to diagnose, treat and protect against concussions.

Christopher became an outspoken advocate for the exploration of PCS in the deaths of many high-profile athletes. He initiated inquiries into the deaths of professional football players Andre Waters and Justin Strzelczyk as well as professional wrestler Chris Benoit. Each was discovered to have PCS. The doctor who examined Andre Waters’ 44-year-old brain noted brain tissue that was characteristic of an 85-year-old man with Alzheimer’s. 

Christopher authored a book entitled Head Games.  Head Games takes the reader through his personal journey and then into a deeper understanding of this national crisis. The book includes interviews with NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson, Merril Hoge, Doug Flutie, Pete Cronan, Leigh Steinberg, Sylvia Mackey, dozens of college/youth football players, and leading researchers in the field of sports concussion.

In 2007, Christopher co-founded the Sports Legacy Institute, an organization dedicated to expanding advocacy, awareness, prevention, and research. Christopher will be in Seattle on April 4 as part of the 23rd Annual Alzheimer’s Regional Conference. He will explain the recent research findings as well as increase awareness about concussion diagnosis, treatment, and protection. Click here to register.