National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh

02/10/2025

Thank you to Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Pennsylvania for hosting our “Beyond the Impact: Understanding Concussion and CTE” webinar last week! We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and asked thoughtful questions.

Missed the live session? You can watch the recording by visiting Dementia Friendly PA’s webinar series page: https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/resources/dementia-friendly-webinar-series. The PDF of the slides is also available there.

Huge thanks to our wonderful speakers—Dr. Julia Kofler, Jacob Ponce, Dr. Aaron Zynda, and Dr. Tori Togashi—for their insightful presentations. If we didn’t get to your question, feel free to reach out:
• Dr. Julia Kofler: koflerjk@upmc.edu
• Jacob Ponce: JAP317@pitt.edu
• Dr. Aaron Zynda: ajz61@pitt.edu
• Dr. Tori Togashi: togash*ta@upmc.edu

Dementia Friendly PA's webinar series continues in April! Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the next webinar on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 11:30AM–1:00PM EST, covering “Cognitive Changes and Driving: Making Safe Choices” with Jerold E. Rothkoff, Esq. You can find more details and register on Dementia Friendly PA’s website or by checking out their webinar flyers.

If you’d like to become a Dementia Friend or learn more about starting a Dementia Friendly Community, visit https://www.dementiafriendspa.org/ or https://www.dementiafriendlypa.org/ for free resources and upcoming events.

Thank you again for your support, and we hope to see you at future events!

Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Helping to build inclusive communities for persons living with dementia in Pennsylvania

01/13/2025

Penguins’ Win and Brain Health Awareness 🐧🧠

What a comeback by the Pittsburgh Penguins! 🎉 A huge 5-3 win over the Oilers, and Sidney Crosby hit an incredible milestone, moving to 9th on the NHL’s all-time points list.

While we celebrate the Penguins’ success, it’s also a good reminder of the toll sports can take on athletes’ bodies and brains. At the National Sports Brain Bank at Pitt, we’re studying the effects of head injuries in sports to help make the game safer for athletes of all levels.

Support research that makes a difference: http://pitt.edu/nsbb
📧 Questions? Email us at nsbb@pitt.edu

The National Sports Brain Bank (NSBB) is a long-term observational study and brain donation registry for former contact sport participants.

01/08/2025

📰 Check out this impactful op-ed by our Outreach Coordinator, Jacob Ponce! 🧠

In his recent letter to the Jacksonville Daily News, Jacob highlights how critical brain research is for athletes at every level. From the NFL to youth sports, better understanding and education about brain injuries can truly save lives and protect futures.

Trevor Lawrence’s recent injury serves as a reminder of how important it is to prioritize athlete safety and advance the science around concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

📖 Read the full article here: https://www.jacksonville.com/story/opinion/letters/2024/12/25/nfl-players-at-every-level-can-benefit-from-brain-research-letters/77022580007/ #:~:text=Lawrence’s%20injury%20serves%20as%20a,to%20save%20athletes%20from%20themselves

💡 Let’s continue to advocate for brain health and safety in sports at every level. Together, we can build a future where athletes are supported and protected.

01/06/2025

We can't wait!! Please spread the word- especially to anyone who has athletes in their family! 🧠 🏀 ⚽️ 🥊

One month until the first Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania Webinar of 2025- Beyond the Impact: Understanding Concussions and CTE featuring the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh!

This webinar will cover:
- Fundamentals of concussions
- Connections between concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
- Current treatment for concussions
- Concussion prevention and education
- Research opportunities

⏰Wednesday, February 5, 11AM-12:30PM ET
📍Online via Zoom
✔️Registration free, required in advance: http://tinyurl.com/34tn6m5h

12/27/2024

We have great news! Our study and outreach coordinator, Jacob Ponce, wrote an op-ed detailing his experiences with head injuries which was published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

If you or a loved one has suffered from concussions or other head trauma, please take a read!

When I was 17, my life trajectory changed in 10 days. With two minutes left in the first football game of my senior year, I woke up confused, found at...

12/26/2024

Happy Holidays from the NSBB! We wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season from all of us at the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh! As we reflect on this special time of year, we're grateful for our community's continued support in advancing brain health research. Here's to a bright and healthy 2025! 🎄✨

12/09/2024

🌟 Fact or Fiction? 🌟
Athletes are more likely to suffer a concussion than the average person.

FICTION! ❌

A great message from our friends at the Chuck Noll Foundation.

The leading cause of concussions is actually slips, trips, and falls—most often occurring in the home. The second leading cause? Motor vehicle accidents.

Remember, concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere. Stay informed and take precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. 🧠💡

11/18/2024

📆 Great opportunity from the good folks at Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania ⬇️

November is National Caregivers Month. Make a commitment to become a Dementia Friend!

It's a simple way to make an impact in your community by learning ways you can offer support. Let's spread awareness and kindness together!

Register for an Information Session or request one for your group. All Sessions are free. https://hubs.li/Q02XCF870

11/15/2024

🧠 Every Step Forward in Brain Research Matters

At the National Sports Brain Bank, we believe that every small action contributes to big breakthroughs in understanding and preventing neurodegenerative brain injuries. Whether it’s an athlete pledging their brain, a researcher making a discovery, or a community member raising awareness—your efforts drive change.

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission. Together, we’re building a future where athletes and veterans can lead healthier, safer lives.

Get involved or learn more: http://pitt.edu/nsbb
📧 nsbb@pitt.edu