There is a strong evidence that professional boxing results in chronic brain damage. the more head punches during a boxer's career, the bigger is the risk
Blennow, K.; Popa, C.; Rasulzada, A.; Minthon, L.; Wallin, A.; Zetterberg, H.
Lakartidningen 102(36): 2468-2470; 2472-2475
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 16196432 Document Number: 587185
The clinical symptomatology and pathogenic mechanisms of chronic traumatic brain injury associated with boxing (CTBI-B) is reviewed. This syndrome is also known as punch drunk syndrome or dementia pugilistica. Since even milder forms of CTBI-B are rare among amateur boxers, we make a distinction between amateur and professional boxing throughout the review. Focus is also set on the interesting similarities in neurochemical changes and pathogenic mechanisms between CTBI-B, acute traumatic brain injury (e.g. road traffic accidents) and Alzheimer's disease.