Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Chris Nowinski (on CTE)
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May 14, 2025 Chris Nowinski, a former pro-wrestler turned neuroscientist and advocate for CTE research, shares his incredible journey from Harvard to the wrestling ring. He candidly discusses the shocking realities of concussions in sports, particularly football, and the urgent need for better protective measures. Highlighting the dangerous culture surrounding youth sports, Nowinski stresses the importance of mental health awareness and informed consent for young athletes. His insights challenge common perceptions about athlete safety, offering a powerful call to action for lasting change.
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REM Behavior Disorder After Concussion
- Chris Nowinski experienced REM behavior disorder after a concussion where he acted out his dreams violently.
- His first dream included falling and physically hitting objects without waking up, terrifying those around him.
Brain Cells' Limited Regeneration
- Brain cells can repair but do not regenerate after they die.
- Neurons lost to injury are not replaced, only compensated for by other brain pathways.
CTE Lesion Formation Mechanism
- CTE brain lesions begin at the depths of the brain's sulci due to the physics of brain rotation and folds.
- Misfolded tau proteins propagate like cracks, worsening brain degeneration over time.