As opposed to Alzheimer’s, the cognitive damage of TBI tends not to be progressive, unless they continue to suffer TBIs.
That’s why Merril Hoge (ex-Steelers and Bears fullback) retired. He had too many concussions. Troy Aikman seemed to have the same problem. Any player with a history of concussions needs to seriously consider his retirement options.
Isn’t that why Steve Young retired from the 49ers?
There’s the rub. Footballers especially get knocked out routinely. I recall an article about high-school footballers suffering measurable impairment after suffering several concussions on the field. Never mind boxers. Far too many of them die drooling in middle-age. The “punch-drunk” phenomenon might as well be early Alzeheimer’s as far as the symptoms are concerned.
In any case, what is all the gold in Fort Knox worth to a man when he can’t keep his thoughts together. Or string a sentence?