U.S. soccer star Brandi has promised to donate her brain to Boston University to further scientific studies in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. CTE results from repeated hits to the head which can lead to buildup of tau in the brain. The degenerative brain disease can result in Alzheimer's like symptoms such as memory loss, rage, and mood swings. It is very common among athletes such as soccer players and football players. Chastain, having played soccer since the age of 6, has headed the ball an innumerable amount of times. She states, "It's scary to think about all the head and potential concussions that were never diagnosed in my life, but it's better to know."
I think it's very amazing that Chastain has agreed to help further the studies of CTE. It is also amazing that we have such technology today that can do such. Chastain will defiantly make an impact on those affected by CTE today and those of the future.
Link: here
It is awesome to hear how she is using her platform and past experiences to do something good!
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing to hear that she wants to help further research in CTE.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that she is donating it for such a good cause, I can only image the amount of damage that has been done since soccer is such a rigorous sport.
ReplyDelete-Julianne Swaykus 6
After reading Stiff for English class, I have new found respect for the importance of donating your body for scientific research. This soccer player could possibly help hundreds of other athletes suffering from the same problems. Hopefully, others follow suit so that we can improve medicine in this field.
ReplyDeleteI played soccer for 13 years and never understood how heading a ball is safe. It hurts, and if it's falling from a high point, the impact on your head could cause a concussion. Of course you're only supposed to hit it at a certain angle, but it takes a lot of practice to do a perfect header and that practice could be damaging.
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