APA Dictionary of Psychology

a chronic, slowly progressive dementia produced by repeated blows to the head, as may affect participants of contact sports such as boxing, football, and wrestling. Affected individuals are often described as “punch-drunk.” Common symptoms include poorly articulated speech (see dysarthria), poor balance, impaired memory and concentration, and involuntary movements. The term is often applied to the more advanced cases, whereas chronic traumatic encephalopathy refers to all types of cases. Also called boxer’s dementia.