Within the midst of getting questioned by lawmakers on Capitol Hill surrounding attainable misuse of welfare funds, NFL Corridor of Fame quarterback Brett Favre mentioned he was lately recognized with Parkinson’s Illness (PD).
The non-public word was transient, surprising and made whereas Favre was explaining his involvement within the spending of tens of tens of millions of {dollars} in cash that was supposed to go to a number of the poorest households in Mississippi.
Favre, nicknamed ‘The Gunslinger,’ performed 20 years within the Nationwide Soccer League and was recognized for each his capacity to make large performs and take large hits. In retirement, Favre has acknowledged that whereas taking part in, he didn’t understand how harmful the sport is and believes he skilled a whole lot, possibly 1000’s, of concussions.
There isn’t a treatment for the neurodegenerative dysfunction that, over time, impacts mobility and the mind.
“Parkinson’s Illness is the second most typical neurodegenerative dysfunction, and it’s the quickest rising,” Kevin Webb-Kay, MD, of Park Nicollet Struthers Parkinson’s Heart informed 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.
“We all know that skilled soccer gamers, or individuals who performed soccer critically, have a considerably greater incidence of Parkinson’s, in addition to issues that appear like Parkinson’s,” Webb-Kay added.
Research shared by the Parkinson’s Basis again that up.
In line with a 2020 examine, “Having a single concussion elevated the chance of creating PD by 57%.”
“How secure is secure sufficient,” Webb-Kay mentioned concerning the recreation of soccer.
He applauds a neighborhood effort underway to scale back the variety of concussions at the highschool degree. Park Excessive Faculty gamers are required to put on ‘guardian caps’ at observe and video games — the caps match over the helmet and function added safety.
As for work for a treatment and methods to deal with the illness, Webb-Kay feels probably the most promising work is creating new therapy utilizing what they learn about it already however says that’s the furthest aim away. Within the subsequent few years, Webb-Kay says they need to know extra about how medication we have already got can assist these residing with Parkinson’s.
Additionally, simply as Michael J. Fox’s prognosis assist present advocacy and help for these residing with PD, Webb-Kay hopes Favre sharing his private battles does the identical.