Baycrest

FREEZING out brain injury To hockey fans, the name Ken Dryden is synonymous with Stanley Cups, elite goaltending and one of the greatest books ever written about a life in pro hockey, The Game (1983). Dryden thinks about hockey unlike any other. He doesn't just analyze it or report on it, he passionately advocates for its evolution to make it something better. Part of that passion extends to staying brain healthy, both on and off the ice. Dryden's latest book, Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador, and the Future of Hockey (Signal, 2017) is a cri de cœur about how professional hockey needs to adapt to eliminate hits to the head and stop the scourge of concussions and assorted brain injuries that take such a heavy toll on its athletes. Speaking to BrainMatters recently, Dryden discussed why it was important for him to write his new book and to be part of Baycrest Health Science's board of directors. He noted that in 2005, as the Member of Parliament for York Centre, he was the Minister of Social Development. Part of that portfolio related to seniors issues. He became interested in Baycrest because it was "on the forefront of aging care" and he believed that the organization could make a tremendous impact on the trajectory of aging care in Canada and beyond; a belief he still holds today. "Baycrest is the best and most interesting place in terms of aging population in all of its aspects; not just in residential care, but also in research and innovations. The organization increasingly looks at the possibilities for an aging life. It's not just that a focus on aging adults is done by default or out of obligation; Baycrest looks at this population with enthusiasm and excitement," he says. "Baycrest is at this wonderful moment where, at 100 years, the natural instinct is to look back and see where we've been and all we've accomplished. But now we get to follow that up and see where we can get to next." To read the full Ken Dryden interview, visit: baycrestfoundation.org/BrainMatters/Dryden As researchers around the world, including Baycrest scientist Dr. Brian Levine, work to uncover the consequences of repeated concussions and develop treatments to aid their recovery, Wickenheiser believes improving education will protect all athletes – those who play professionally or as part of a recreational league. "If you play at an elite level, you should know as much as possible about the physiology of your sport and head injuries," says Wickenheiser. "If you're a parent and your kid is playing sports, read up on the latest news." As well, no matter your role, if you see a player take a hit, it's important to err on the side of caution. Take time off and have it looked at by health professionals with concussion expertise, she adds. "Whether you take a week or two off after the injury, in the grand scheme of your life and your career, especially as a kid, it could make all the difference in the world," says Wickenheiser. "That time allows your brain to heal and recover from what's going on." Her last bit of advice is to be empathetic to those who say they have a concussion and don't feel well. "I remember teammates that went through it on the national team said they felt really isolated," says Wickenheiser. "It's not easy and sometimes the isolation makes the mental effects harder to cope with than the physical effects." For more articles like this visit: baycrestfoundation.org/brainmatters BrainMatters SPRING/SUMMER 2018 7 Ken Dryden

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