Interesting sports concussion article

[Klaus]

Another good reason us lot should stop playing contact sports. Australian Rules Football article, including debate over the use of helmets.:-

Several concussions later - many of which were sustained during his 66 games with Melbourne - the 25-year-old is seeking compensation over a brain injury.

Doctors found Bell's cognitive function had deteriorated significantly and linked this to his history of concussions.

Despite recent improvements due to a brain-training program, Bell struggles to remember words and names when he is tired or feels strained.

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/brain-injury-concern-for-exdemon-bell-20110330-1cg0z.html

[Mark in Idaho]

Interesting article. Glad to see his sports leaders making such a profound comment.

A telling statement is his results from brain training. Likely it is due to the concept that much of brain training is developing under-developed skills. It does not create new skills out of nothing. It can only improve skills that are under developed and sort of dormant. Once the dormant skills are maximized, the improvements will reach a plateau.

For instance, With Posit Science, there are observational skills exercises. I max these exercises quickly. But, I have always have very highly developed observational skills. It is a family trait that was reinforced by my father. Even my damaged brain can out perform almost everybody when riding in the car and playing the alphabet game. I would really annoy my kids because I could often do the alphabet twice to their one.

This is why many high achievers have more complaints about recovery from brain injuries. Those with a history of lower achievement have more potential in their brains to unlock and develop. The high achievers have already unlocked and fully developed most of their brains potential.

[worried_mom]

Interesting, as always, Mark. My son is very smart and now very frustrated when he can't find the words/concepts he knew before. He says it makes him feel dumb.