The Marilyn & Morgan Davies Dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences at TCU and Parkinson’s researcher and expert Chris Watts shed some light surrounding Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre’s recent announcement of his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Repeated brain injuries, including mild ones, are linked to a higher risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease, though the exact connection is still unknown.
Watts explains head trauma alone is not the sole risk factor for Parkinson’s. In his conversation with USA Today, Watts offers insights into the possible link. Experts say the disease has also been linked to environmental factors, like exposure to certain pesticides or chemicals, and genetic mutations.
However, the research among football players isn't as robust. Watts says researchers must determine if there is a link.
“Football is such a big part of American society,” he said. “We need to know the answers to this.”
Watts’ recent work focused on non-contact boxing, placing data behind the idea that an exercise program can delay symptoms of the disease. He has conducted extensive research on Parkinson’s disease with more than 80 peer-reviewed research publications in this and related areas and has presented his research to both national and international audiences.