Rugby league legend Dementia Australia Ambassador, Wally Lewis AM will address the National Press Club in Canberra tomorrow to share his experience of living with probable CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and to call on the Australian Government to invest $18 million to fund CTE awareness, research and support programs recommended by the Concussion and CTE Coalition.
Mr Lewis will be joined by recently retired, 24-year-old, AFL Premiership player Nathan Murphy, who bravely announced his retirement from the sport earlier this month after experiencing multiple concussions, including in last years’ AFL Grand Final.
Nathan sensationally hung up his boots after medical advice suggested that his migraines, panic attacks and anxiety may have been caused by the concussions he experienced throughout his playing career.
CTE is the only preventable form of dementia, and some estimates suggest thousands of people are impacted. It affects brain function over time and can result in changes in mood, personality, behaviour, and cognitive function.
The Concussion and CTE Coalition, (Dementia Australia, Brain Foundation, ConneCTErs, Associate Professor Fatima Nasrallah of the Queensland Brain Institute at The University of Queensland, Dr Rowena Mobbs of Mater Hospital Sydney are working together to promote awareness and understanding of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on individuals, families and communities.
For support and information please contact the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500, dementia.org.au, the Brain Foundation brainfoundation.org.au, or Connecters Australia connecters.org.au.
