A couple big name former Steelers say their donating their brains to science.
Running backs Merril Hoge and Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis announced Thursday their brains will go to the National Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh when the pass away.
The bank has been established to find more answers surrounding traumatic brain injuries and those suffering from conditions like CTE, dementia, Alzheimer’s, ALS and more.
“This new bank will be open to collaborate nationally and base its work on de-identified, peer-reviewed, broad-spectrum research,” a release from the university says.
Bettis says he is doing it for the athletes of tomorrow, like his kids.
“Hopefully my donation will help the next generation and the next generation after that benefit from the findings and so we all become more aware and understanding of what the issues are, that we’re facing,” said Bettis inside the Valasek Family Center at Petersen Events Center.
Hoge says they want people who've played contact sports and have suffered brain injury and even those who haven’t played sports.
“We’re inviting everybody, not just former players, not just former athletes, but everybody,” said Hoge. “We need everybody’s assistance in this process, it’s a long process, it’s an arduous process, but the more we have on our team, the more answers we’re going to have and the better the team is going to be.”
Hoge has also been outspoken about some of the science behind CTE and says the brain bank is accepting all brains and will not be bias in its research.
While doctors have learned a lot about Chronic Traumatic Encephelopathy (CTE), there are no treatments available and it can only be officially diagnosed after a person dies and the brain is examined.
There are also no cures for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
The bank is funded by the Chuck Noll Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Pittsburgh Foundation.