NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre Has Parkinson's Disease
By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, Sept. 24, 2024 -- Green Bay Packers legend and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Favre, 54, made the announcement while testifying to Congress on his potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
The former quarterback has been presenting testimony in Washington to the House Ways and Means Committee, following accusations that he used political connections to funnel public money to himself and his alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.
As reported by NBC News, Favre told assembled lawmakers that, "Sadly, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug I thought would help others, and I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s too late for me because I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s."
Frequent head injuries could be a risk factor for Parkinson's. One study published last year found that people with a history of playing football were 61% more likely to be diagnosed with the brain illness.
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's is an incurable, degenerative brain disease with symptoms developing over a period of years. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, but they can include tremor, slowness and other difficulties in walking and limb stiffness.
Cognitive impairments, sleep issues, depression, apathy, anxiety, constipation, falling upon standing and other issues can also arise.
Medicines such as dopamine-replacing drugs can help curb symptoms and slow the illness, but they are not a cure.
Other well-known Americans affected by Parkinson's disease include Michael J. Fox, singer Linda Ronstadt, actor Alan Alda and rock musician Ozzy Osbourne.
Favre's health revelation came amid allegations that he improperly used money from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. He has not been criminally charged, but is repaying some of the money, NBC News reported.
Sources
- NBC News, Sept 24, 2024
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted September 2024
Read this next
Brain Injury & PTSD: Veterans' Study Suggests Area of Damage Is Key
THURSDAY, Sept. 26, 2024 -- Brain damage that veterans suffered from flying shrapnel has provided a major clue that could lead to better treatment for post-traumatic stress...
Initial Symptoms of MS Could Guide Prognosis, Treatment
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 25, 2024 -- Two key symptoms that can arise soon after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) could predict how swiftly the illness will progress and suggest best...
Many Former NFL Players Believe They Have CTE, Raising Suicide Risk
MONDAY, Sept. 23, 2024 -- One in three former NFL players believe they have football-related brain damage that’s doing untold harm to their lives, a new study...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.