Source: q102.ie | Repost Duerson Fund 3/6/2023 –
Alix Popham was just 40 when he was diagnosed with early onset dementia.
A hard-hitting backrower, he played 33 test matches for Wales.
He represented his country in two World Cups and was a Grand Slam winner in 2008.
Alix retired in 2011, then in 2020, at the age of 40 he was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy – it’s probable because the diagnosis can be confirmed only by a post-mortem.
This week Alix spoke to Weekend Sports Breakfast on Dublin’s Q102.
“I don’t like the word concussion, because it’s softens what it is,” he said.
“Let’s call it a traumatic brain injury, because that’s exactly what’s going on, and I think parents will stand up and listen if they hear their child’s had a traumatic brain injury compared to a concussion.