Diseases

Dementia Pugilistica

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Brain degeneration from repeated blows to the head has been known in boxers since the 1920s as dementia pugilistica, or punch-drunk syndrome.

SYMPTOMS

Dementia pugilistica shares a number of common symptoms with alzheimer's disease, though the two are independently diagnosed. DP Is distinguished from forms of non-degenerative dementia, in part because of the amyloid plaque buildup that causes the condition to arise and worsen—this buildup is highly similar to that found in alzheimer's patients.

Sufferers of dp traditionally experience:

progressively declining cognitive ability
short-term memory loss
physical tremors
loss of physical coordination
difficulty in speech
changes in gait
pathological feelings of jealousy or paranoia

CAUSES

1. Initial injury
Direct, repetitive blows to the head can lead to punch-drunk syndrome. It can happen with consecutive hits or repeated concussions over time.
Athletes in contact sports are closely monitored for signs and symptoms. When it comes to military personnel, they can be affected by the development of dementia pugilistica without having repeated concussions.
2. Injury effects
With the damage to the afflicted sections of the brain, there can be significant changes in the nerve cells and fibers. Dementia pugilistica can cause the brain to waste away in the condition of atrophy.
Trauma affects the nerve cell axons which transmit electrical impulses and communication, and the presence of proteins changes the interface of the brain matter. The Lasting effects are similar to those found in other neurogenerative diseases such as alzheimer’s disease, parkinson’s disease, and any motor neuron diseases.