Study links boxing to brain damage
By Daily Bruin Staff
July 13, 1997 9:00 p.m.
Monday, 7/14/97 Study links boxing to brain damage Gene’s
presence could warn boxers not to risk chances of injury
The Associated Press Boxing appears to be on everyone’s mind,
especially after the Tyson incident. Unfortunately for boxers, a
new study shows that boxing actually may have a huge impact on
their brains. A gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease could explain
why some boxers sustain permanent brain damage and others do not, a
report said in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Those who inherit the gene APOE-4 are predisposed to developing
chronic traumatic brain injury, a disorder characterized by memory
loss and reduced mental capacity. Having this gene "would not
necessarily preclude a boxer from participation but could be an
indication to minimize or strictly limit exposure to the sport,"
Dr. Barry Jordan said. Jordan and his researchers performed tests
on 30 different boxers in the New York area and found that three
fighters with severe chronic traumatic brain injury were all
carriers of the protein. The study brings up the question of
whether or not boxers should be screened before they enter the
ring. Previous Daily Bruin Story: Genetic marker found on gum
disease
