About Project Enlist Canada
The Goal
Dramatically accelerate critical research on traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. TBI due to improvised explosive devices (IED) and other military service-related causes is a significant problem for our broader military community. However, the scientific understanding of TBI and related disorders, such as CTE and PTSD, is in its infancy, and we lack accurate diagnostic tests for living patients and effective treatments. Service members diagnosed with TBI deserve our attention and support. There is an urgent need for scientists to better understand how to diagnose and treat TBI in our troops so they can protect those who fight for our nation.
The Challenge
There is a clear need for research into the effects of CTE and TBI among the military community. Currently only 5% of the brains studied in the VA-BU-CLF brain bank are military service members who had no sports exposure.
Additionally, less than 50% of Canadians know the signs and symptoms of a concussion. Estimates suggest up to 90% of concussions go undiagnosed and untreated so more awareness and resources are needed to adequately support our communities.
The Solution
Brain donation has proven to be an effective accelerator of research on CTE among athletes over the last decade. By showing how CTE has affected hundreds of athletes, across multiple sports, we have inspired the scientific community to invest in CTE research. We're learning that CTE isn't just affecting athletes, but also showing up in our nation's military members. Stories of veterans returning home with brain injuries and symptoms of depression, memory loss, and bouts of rage are all too common. We know these changes are symptoms of CTE, but need to know more. Brain donation allows us to gain a better understanding of the unique effects of military brain trauma exposure.
About the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada
Mission
The Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada’s mission is to advance the study, treatment, and prevention of the effects of brain trauma and associated mental health implications in Canadian athletes, military personnel, youth, and other at-risk groups.
Vision
Our vision is a world without CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), and concussion safety without compromise.
History
Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada was founded in December of 2012 to help solve the concussion crisis in Canada. Since that time, CLF Canada has operated prevention, education and awareness events across the country.