Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is emerging as a significant concern among former NFL players. A study from Massachusetts, published in The BMJ, reveals that one in four NFL players could develop CTE, a disease diagnosable only postmortem and lacking a cure.
Analyzing the deaths of NFL players from 2008 to 2021, researchers assessed 338 brains out of over 1,700 deceased players. They found 315 had CTE. Brain donation among players has been increasingly common in recent years, with 235 donating in the past six years; over 210 of these were diagnosed with CTE.
The study highlights a strong link between dementia and CTE severity, with 94 dementia patients exhibiting Stage 4 CTE, the most severe level.
CTE’s Impact on Brain Function
CTE affects brain function significantly. It’s associated with a build-up of abnormal proteins, which damage brain tissue and induce cell death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Frequent head impacts put football players at high risk. CTE also appears in boxers, soccer and hockey players, military personnel, and first responders. Even athletes who stopped sports early may be diagnosed with CTE.
Symptoms, which might develop years or decades later, can persist for extended periods. While specific symptoms vary, they often hinder daily activities, showing up as difficulties with thinking, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and behavioral issues.
The CDC warns these symptoms alone don’t confirm CTE. Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for diagnosis and treatment options.
Efforts to fully understand CTE remain ongoing. Research works on early diagnosis, risk factor identification, and understanding the disease’s progression, according to Boston University.
Notable Cases Among NFL Players
Studies continually find cases among NFL players. In 2023, Boston University’s CTE Center reported that 345 out of 376 studied former NFL players had CTE.
Marshawn Kneeland, a former Dallas Cowboys player, was diagnosed with Stage 1 CTE after his death by suicide. Other players, like Aaron Hernandez and Frank Wycheck, were found to have advanced stages of CTE following their deaths.
Demaryius Thomas’s family revealed he had Stage 2 CTE after his 2021 death marked by depression and anxiety. Irv Cross, briefly a CBS anchor, suffered depression and memory loss due to Stage 4 CTE.
Phillip Adams’s tragic killing spree and subsequent suicide in 2021 led to the discovery of Stage 2 CTE. Shane Tamura, who killed four people near NFL headquarters, claimed to suffer from CTE related to his involvement in football.
Ongoing research is crucial in addressing the challenges CTE presents to athletes, families, and sports communities.
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