by Plantagenet » Mon 23 Mar 2009, 01:36:30
Dementia pugilistica (DP), also called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), chronic boxer’s encephalopathy, traumatic boxer’s encephalopathy, boxer's dementia, and punch-drunk syndrome ('punchy'), is a neurological disorder... Dementia pugilistica, the severe form of chronic traumatic brain injury,[2] commonly manifests as declining mental and physical abilities such as dementia and parkinsonism. The encephalopathy develops over a period of years
The condition... commonly manifests as dementia, or declining mental ability, problems with memory, and parkinsonism, or tremors and lack of coordination.[5] It can also cause speech problems[5] and an unsteady gait. Patients with CTE may be prone to inappropriate or explosive behavior and may display pathological jealousy or paranoia.[5] Individuals displaying these symptoms also can be characterized as "punchy," another term for a person suffering from dementia pugilistica.
The brains of dementia pugilistica patients atrophy and lose neurons, for example in the cerebellum.[4] The pyramidal tract dysfunctions.[4]
Sufferers may be treated with drugs used for Alzheimer's and parkinsonism.[2]
