Dementia pugilistica

Dementia pugilistica (med. Latin ), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, fist combative Parkinson's syndrome, boxer 's syndrome, boxer 's encephalopathy, Punch-Drunk Syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy called, is a neural dysfunction that occurs in people who have frequent shock or shock to the head.

It is very often found in long-standing active boxers or American football players of this syndrome, but also in alcohol-dependent people who often suffer falls and they can not absorb through their decreased responsiveness.

The disease develops over several years, with an average development time of about 16 years after the beginning of the respective boxing career.

The Parkinson's disease -like illness in a reduction of coordination and dementia result. It can lead to language problems, unsteady gait, and unusual behavior.

So far, the exact causes are not yet much known. Above all, it is unclear why some boxers suffer because others do not. It is believed that the loss of nerve cells, the significant scarring of brain tissue and damage to the cerebellum are responsible for the syndrome.

Famous victims of the disease include the boxer Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Beau Jack and last but not least Jerry Quarry. Muhammad Ali, however, suffers from Parkinson's disease and not to the chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Famous NFL players who died due to or with this syndrome are, for example, Tom McHale, Justin Strzelczyk or last Chris Henry, who was the first known yet active player with this disorder.