Dementia Australia has acknowledged the bravery of Queensland rugby league legend, Wally Lewis AM, for speaking out about his probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) diagnosis.
Wally was one of the stars of Rugby League in the 1980s and 90s, leading Queensland to victory in the State of Origin and playing in 33 Rugby League tests for Australia.
His career has included the ‘Best Player in the World’ award and election to the Australian Sports Hall of Fame. Until recently he was a sports presenter and commentator for Channel 9.
CTE is a type of dementia where repeated concussions or other head injuries can affect someone’s brain function over time, enough to interfere with their usual functioning or working life.
In an interview with 60 Minutes which aired last night, the 63-year-old revealed his diagnosis.
“For a lot of sports guys, I think most of us take on this belief that we’ve got to prove how tough we are…how rugged,” he told interviewer, Tom Steinfort.
“But we’ve got to take it on and admit that the problems are there.”
Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe AM said Mr Lewis and his family were to be commended for being willing to share their story in hopes it will help create greater awareness about CTE.
“On behalf of Dementia Australia, I thank and acknowledge Wally Lewis and his family for sharing their story and to raise awareness of the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy,” Ms McCabe said.
“When high profile people like Wally share their story, it helps everyone impacted or going through a similar experience to know they are not alone.
“Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is preventable. It can be avoided or minimised by preventing head injuries and managing head injuries and concussions effectively by following evidence-based, best practice guidelines.
“We need national guidelines for contact sports. Current protocols and practices for managing head injuries in a range of Australian sporting codes across all age groups and at amateur and professional levels, are not always guided by, or consistent with, current evidence-based findings.”
Ms McCabe said it was also important to note CTE is not only a condition that impacts the sporting community, but research shows family violence survivors and war veterans who experience traumatic brain injury were at an even higher risk of developing CTE.
“CTE can happen to anyone,” Ms McCabe said.
“It is incredible to see Wally sharing his story, shedding a light on CTE and I urge anyone who has any concerns about their brain health or that of a loved one to please call the National Dementia Helpline anytime on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au.”
