How Many NFL Players Have CTE?

A new study claims that nearly one third of former NFL players may have chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Introduction

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated head trauma. Symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and, eventually, progressive dementia. CTE can only be diagnosed after death.

CTE was once thought to be rare. However, a recent study of former NFL players found that 96% of them had CTE. This suggests that the disease is far more common than previously thought. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 football players will develop CTE during their lifetime.

The number of NFL players with CTE is likely to rise in the coming years, as more and more former players are diagnosed after death. However, it’s impossible to say how many players currently have the disease.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have CTE, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation. There is no known cure for the disease, but early diagnosis and treatment of symptoms can improve quality of life.

What is CTE?

CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can be caused by repetitive head injuries. Symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and anxiety. In some cases, people with CTE may also experience problems with coordination and balance, and they may develop dementia.

How many NFL players have CTE?

In a study of 202 deceased former NFL players, neuropathologist Dr. Ann McKee and her colleagues found that 87 percent of them had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

This degenerative brain disease is caused by repeated head trauma and has been linked to depression, dementia and other cognitive problems. CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, through an examination of the brain.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, is the largest of its kind and provides the most conclusive evidence to date that there is a link between playing football and developing CTE.

Previous studies had found that CTE was present in the brains of former NFL players, but those studies were small and relied on data from brain banks, which may not be representative of all NFL players.

The new study included brains donated by families of former NFL players who showed symptoms of CTE during their lives. The findings suggest that the prevalence of CTE among NFL players may be even higher than what has been previously reported.

The symptoms of CTE

The symptoms of CTE include:

-Impulsivity
-Aggression
-Depression
-Memory loss
-Confusion
-Suicidality

How CTE is diagnosed

CTE can only be diagnosed after death. A brain tissue sample is taken during an autopsy and studied for telltale patterns of Tau protein deposits. The study of CTE in living people is in its infancy, but scientists are working on methods to identify Tau protein in the brain while a person is alive. This would allow for earlier diagnosis and potentially open up new avenues for treatment.

The treatment for CTE

There is no known cure for CTE, but there are some treatments that may help improve the symptoms. These include:

-Cognitive behavioral therapy: This therapy can help teach players how to manage their emotions and improve their thinking patterns.
-Medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, can help improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression.
-Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: This therapy exposes the player to 100 percent oxygen, which can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
-Nutritional supplements: Taking supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The long-term effects of CTE

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repeated head injuries. The symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulsivity, aggression, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. These symptoms can begin years or even decades after the last brain injury.

So far, CTE has been found in the brains of more than 100 former NFL players. The disease has also been found in the brains of former college football players, professional wrestlers, boxers, military veterans, and people who have had multiple concussions. Researchers believe that CTE is caused by a buildup of a protein called tau in the brain. Tau is a normal protein that helps to stabilize cells, but when it builds up in abnormal amounts, it can cause brain cells to die.

There is no known cure for CTE at this time. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of the disease.

Conclusion

At this point, it’s impossible to know how many NFL players have CTE. However, a recent study of 111 former NFL players found that 110 of them had the disease. This means that the disease is extremely common among NFL players, and it’s likely that many more players have CTE than we currently know.