Eder Jofre donates his brain to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy studies
Legendary Brazilian boxer’s brain taken to the Biobank for Aging Studies at University of São Paulo
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. (November 30th 2022) – Eder Jofre, who died October 2, 2022, chose to donate his brain to studies on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a pathology formerly known as dementia pugilistica. The decision was honored by his family, who announced the donation at a press conference held on Thursday October, 20th at the office of neurologist, Dr. Renato Anghinah, who managed Jofre’s treatment. The studies will be performed by Dr. Roberta Diehl Rodriguez from the Biobank for Aging Studies at University of São Paulo, the only lab in Brazil equipped to perform this exam. The study is funded in part by the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
"Donating his brain to research to advance CTE studies is one of the best things a fighter can do for the combat sports family,” said Rose Gracie, co-founder of Fighting Foundation and director of the Gracie Concussion Challenge, in collaboration with the Concussion Legacy Foundation. “He led an incredible life and furthers it with this incredible legacy.”
Jofre’s determination to contribute to research was motivated by fellow boxer Muhammed Ali’s decision not to donate his brain when he died. “Eder was very upset with Ali’s decision. That’s when he was sure he would do it differently,” said Dr. Anghinah.
Jofre first began experiencing symptoms of CTE in 2010. The symptoms intensified over the years, suffering from mood swings, tremors, and limited mobility. CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by repetitive head impacts. It has been diagnosed in nearly 1,000 contact sports athletes and military veterans around the world. It was first seen in boxing, which is why it was first named “punch drunk”.
In October 2018, Gracie advised the Concussion Legacy Foundation on its Global Brain Bank partnership launch with the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. She continues to serve as a liaison to support development, recruitment, and media efforts for the CLF Global Brain Bank and the Biobank for Aging Studies in Brazil. In January 2019, Gracie and the Concussion Legacy Foundation launched the Gracie Concussion Challenge to accelerate research and awareness for brain injury and CTE in the combat sport community. Gracie continues this important work through CLF and Fighting Foundation.
About The Concussion Legacy Foundation
The Concussion Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States with chapters in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It was founded by Robert Cantu, MD, and Chris Nowinski, PhD to support athletes, veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE, to promote smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation, and end CTE through prevention and research. CLF is a proud supporter and collaborator with the Boston University CTE Center.
About Fighting Foundation
Fighting Foundation, a charitable organization launched in 2021, focuses on the well being of boxing, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and other combat sports’ participants. Co-founders Rose Gracie and Carla Duran, along with Lawyer Erik Magraken and with the guidance of Neurologist Dr. Renato Anghinah, were driven to action after recognizing a noticeable void in the combat sports space. Providing education, research, resources, and treatment around the world to those that need it within the combat sports community.