Comments on: Gordie Howe’s son says talk of dementia is “overblown”

By: guypatsfan

guypatsfan — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:05:33 +0000

I’ve watched many “old-time” hockey games in the past, and I’m convinced there were far less concussions back in the days of no helmets than there are now. Players were not as fast then and equipment was heavier and protected less, so when they checked a guy into the boards it was to separate him from the puck, not to hit him into next week. Players were much more conscious of playing their position lest they be caught out of position when transitioning to defensive or offensive play. I’m not saying there were no concussions at all, just that there were less than today.

By: billsin20xx

billsin20xx — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:12:32 +0000

Yes but I also wonder what you would find in the ‘general’ population as opposed to retired athletes. I’ll bet you wouldn’t see a big difference in the two.

By: mrskunitzdrippinlips

mrskunitzdrippinlips — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:06:49 +0000

soup can sids memory will be as strong and powerful as a joe millers fart breath

By: danphipps01

danphipps01 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:03:44 +0000

One wonders what you’d find if a general study was done of retired sports players in a certain age range – in particular, football and hockey players over sixty, seventy and eighty, with note taken as to how many concussions and/or suspected concussions each had. That last bit would be hard to sort out, given that almost nothing was known back in the day, if indeed anything at all, but… well, it would do us well to give more attention to the potential link we’re talking about here. If there is one, it’s something that sports leagues definitely need to be aware of. It’s worrying to think how Marc Savard or Eric Lindros might be holding up in thirty years if there is a connection there, and I’d like to hope that if it can be shown, there might be ways to help guys like them by taking steps earlier in life.

By: nhlbruins90

nhlbruins90 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:49:54 +0000

The video starts off with a discussion of funding mechanisms for AD. At the 5 minute mark, it gets to a discussion of the causes of AD.

Before watching this video, I was skeptical that there could be a connection between concussions and dementia. Since then, while there’s no evidence, I’m less skeptical.

By: nhlbruins90

nhlbruins90 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:30:14 +0000

My dad is about the same age, and has many of the same issues. It’s stressful for everybody.

The good news is that by 2020, I absolutely believe that Alzheimer’s will be solved. For anybody who wants to see a great overview in plain English, by a brilliant scientist, here’s a link.

By: 4cupsinarow

4cupsinarow — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:10:44 +0000

A horrible and very sad disease that effects the whole family in ways I’d never want anyone to ever have to experience. I lost my grandfather to it and it was devastating to everyone around him.
Thank you Gordie in your efforts to find a cure and all my best wishes with your treatment. A real hockey player who played the game the way it’s supposed to be played!

By: dhillca

dhillca — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:57:18 +0000

Hang in there Gordie! you da man!

By: polegojim

polegojim — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:54:57 +0000

Best Wishes Mr. Hockey – keep up the good work.