Seahawks, Trail Blazers owner Allen to fund brain injury study

According to a report from Donna Gordon Blankenship of the Associated Press, Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Seahawks owner – and Microsoft co-founder – Paul Allen will fund a 2-year, $2.4 million study “into whether repeated blows to the head can lead to dementia”.

According to the AP report:

"Researchers at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the University of Washington will examine donated brains to look for links between head injuries and later health problems like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s."

The National Football League reached a $765 million settlement with more than 4500 players to help provide relief and support to those that suffered brain injury during their time in the league.

At least part of that settlement, $10 million according to the New York Times, went into a research fund.

"Their (Allen Institute) findings will be freely available. (Dr. Ed) Lein said they hope to inspire and help other scientists seeking prevention and treatment ideas.He expects their findings to interest the sports world, but added they are “decidedly not focused on sports-related injuries.” [Associated Press]"

As is widely known, Allen purchased the Seahawks in 1997 and the Trail Blazers in 1988, and his Vulcan Sports & Entertainment is a part owner of the MLS’ Seattle Sounders.