Traumatic Brain Injury: NFL Veterans Ask for Help with Dementia

Gene Upshaw, the executive director of the NFL players' union, was shocked when he first saw how many retired NFL players sought financial aid for treatment of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. "I played with or against quite a few of these guys," he said. "I knew one or two were having problems, but I never knew the extent."

NFL Veterans Seek Help for Dementia

Upshaw was a Hall of Fame guard for the Oakland Raiders from 1968-1982. He is one of four people being honored by the Alzheimer's Association of New York for helping begin the "88" plan. The "88" plan gives up to $88,000 from the NFL and the union to help pay for treatment of former NFL players suffering from dementia or related brain problems. The program began in February and 35 retired players already have been accepted for aid.