Former professional Australian rugby player Wally Lewis AM, who is living with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), addressed the National Press Club of Australia today asking for the Australian Government to step and invest in research and awareness programs.

Sharing his experience, Lewis mentioned CTE is the only form of dementia that is preventable and that we only get one brain.

Neurologist from Mater Hospital Sydney Dr Rowena Mobbs joined Wally on stage this morning and told Julie-anne Sprague on 6PR Afternoons this $18 million dollar funding will provide care and education for care for those who need it.

Mobbs noted how the focus is not just on sports but potentially also military and domestic violence injuries.

“Wally’s leading the way in starting this discussion…bring in sports, bring in government and bring in the scientists and all the help that we need to address this issue now, its gone on too long unaddressed,” Dr Mobbs said.

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For support or information contact: Dementia Australia or the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500.

Image(s): National Press Club of Australia – Scott Barbour/Getty Images