“We only get one brain”: CTE funding a welcome boost for dementia awareness

The federal government has made a $12.5 million commitment to raising awareness for dementia.

The funding has been allocated to Dementia Australia, for the development and delivery of “a national pilot program of support services for people impacted by CTE, and a national awareness and education program in schools.”

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease, or dementia, which research suggests is directly linked to repeated head injuries. Symptoms vary from trouble with memory and concentration to significant mood and behavioural changes.

Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells announced the cash injection on Friday during a press conference at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

“It is critical we educate sporting clubs, teachers, parents and school children about the importance of looking after our brains for life and who better to get that message across than The King, Wally Lewis,” Ms Wells said.

“We have one brain and we need to look after it – and investing in support and building a better understanding of CTE and its impact on individuals, families and communities, is money well spent.

“We know that concussion and sports-related head injuries affect young people more than any other age group, so we want to make sure our kids have the knowledge and skills to help them compete more safely.”

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has been outspoken about the devastating effects of head trauma sustained throughout a long career, saying “on behalf of all people impacted by CTE I say, thank you.”

“We need to be talking to the whole community about protecting our brains and brain health and continuing to support people who are impacted by the effects of repeated head injury and are at risk of CTE,” Mr Lewis said.

The only way to definitively diagnose CTE is during an autopsy of the brain, which is why the disease will often be referred to as “probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy,” and there is currently no cure, meaning prevention education is vital to tackling the growing problem.

In 2021-22, around 1,600 young people were hospitalised with sports-related concussion.

Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan welcomed the investment from the federal government, as it will go a long way in helping the organisation deliver services to Australians living with all forms of dementia.

“As dementia edges close to becoming the leading cause of death of Australians, it is crucial we act now to focus on the brain health of the nation,” Professor Buchanan said.

“Dementia Australia has been working closely with the Concussion and CTE Coalition and other partners
advocating for support services, education and awareness raising about concussion and CTE.

“We acknowledge the generous support and commitment by Wally Lewis AM – a Dementia Australia and
Connecters Australia Ambassador – who has been diagnosed with probable CTE. As Wally has said
publicly many times, 'We only get one brain.'”