DALLAS — A new program set up to study the brains of retired athletes was launched on Tuesday. It is designed to help North Texans — along with some of the biggest names in Dallas Cowboys history — manage short- and long-term health issues.
According to reports, every 21 seconds someone suffers mild brain trauma, like a concussion. That equals almost three people a minute.
Whether it's from slipping or from hard-hitting sports, concussions are becoming more of a concern.
Many sports players do not know if a concussion will cause permanent or long-term damage.
Retired Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan remembers well the pain of a concussion. "I took a lot of hits and gave a lot of hits," he said.
After 14 years as a defender for the Dallas Cowboys, Jordan wondered if he had suffered any permanent brain injuries.
"I wanted to check and see if the hits and bumps and bruises I took in football were changing my life and was going to change it later on," Jordan said.
Jordan is among the retired athletes being tested at the BrainHealth Institute for Professional Athletes at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Dr. John Hart is leading what is believed to be the largest study of its kind. He wants to prevent and treat brain injuries that former athletes may not even know they have.
"You can take training programs and try to enhance areas of the brain to work better," said Dr. John Hart." You can do physical exercise, and you can change blood flow and even performance."
Jordan's brain scans are fine, but he is still hoping to improve his cognitive function. The former football player knows the testing he does today could benefit the athletes of tomorrow.
The Center for BrainHealth studies and treats athletes of all ages. The study of former professional football players is free. Jordan is among those trying to convince other retirees to participate.
E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com
