Nowinski pointed out that both doctors and the public have been aware for more than 100 years that boxers and other athletes often experience mental setbacks in their middle age. It was frequently used as a punchline in jokes on TV, but Nowinski is one of the key figures in pushing for serious medical research on the topic. It was eventually discovered that repeated physical impacts to the head cause small lesions on the brain that result in symptoms including changes to one’s personality as well as depression, increased aggression, and memory loss.

Looking back and assessing how much progress has been made over the last decade, Nowinski believes the public is now more aware of concussions and their potential long-term effects. Because of that, concussion protocols have become more intensive, both in professional sports as well as in schools.

“The big change over the last 10 years has been the recognition that CTE is a much bigger issue than we wanted it to be,” Nowinski stated.

According to Nowinski, based on studies of nearly 500 late NFL and NHL players, between 93% and 95% showed signs of CTE. There isn’t currently a reliable way to test for CTE on those still living, though Nowinski seemed optimistic that progress was being made on that front. Wrestlers including Mark Henry and Kevin Nash have stated that they intend to donate their brains for CTE research following their eventual deaths.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “Talk Is Jericho” with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.