Amateur boxing linked to increased risk of brain impairment and early onset of dementia

Amateur boxing is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and earlier onset of dementia, according to a study carried out by Cardiff University. The research team found that men who had boxed in their youth were twice as likely to have Alzheimer's-like impairment as those who had not boxed. It was also linked to an earlier onset of dementia by about five years. They said their findings suggest a ban on blows to the head should be considered in the amateur sport. The study, the first to look at the long-term effects of amateur boxing on the brain, is published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine. The researchers say it adds to the growing evidence on links between dementia and sport and the ongoing debate around safety measures. Lead author Professor Peter Elwood, Honorary Professor at Cardiff University's School of Medicine, said: "Professional boxing is known to cause chronic traumatic brain injury - but there has been little to no long-term research on this issue in amateur boxing.