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Study reveals high prevalence of CTE in NFL players
A study conducted on the brains of deceased NFL players has revealed a worrying trend - ninety-nine percent of the individuals examined had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a serious degenerative brain disease. The study, conducted by Boston University researchers in conjunction with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, examined the brains of 202 former football players, all of whom had played at some professional level - 111 of whom had played in the NFL. The results of the study are a clear indication of the high prevalence of CTE in football players and are causing concern for both the families of current players and the league itself.
Understanding CTE
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, is a type of neurodegenerative disease that has been linked to repeated concussions or head injuries. Although the condition is rare, it has been identified as a serious concern among professional players of contact sports like football. The disease is known to cause serious symptoms that develop slowly and worsen over time - these symptoms can include mood and behaviour swings, memory loss, and aggression. In addition to football players, CTE has also been found in other contact sports, such as hockey and wrestling.
CTE is caused by the accumulation of a protein called tau in the brain's nerve cells. The protein causes the cells to die, leading to a loss of brain function over time. Unlike other brain diseases, CTE can only be diagnosed after death by examining the brain for signs of the condition. This makes it difficult to understand the true impact the condition is having on the lives of those who suffer from it, and makes it challenging to develop treatments that can slow or stop its progress.
The science behind the study
The study conducted by Boston University researchers involved examining the brains of deceased football players who had played at some professional level. The brains were donated for research by the families of the deceased and studied for signs of CTE. Of the 202 brains examined as part of the study, 177 were found to have CTE. This represents a very high prevalence of the condition, particularly given the limited number of subjects studied. Of the brains that had CTE, 110 of the individuals had played in the NFL.
The study used a widely accepted and validated way of grading the severity of CTE in individuals. The grading system involves looking for signs of CTE in different areas of the brain and assigning a severity grade based on the level of tau buildup observed. The majority of the brains examined in the study - 87% - were found to have severe CTE. One of the most shocking findings of the study was that even individuals who had only played football during high school showed signs of CTE - highlighting the fact that the condition can develop after even a relatively small amount of exposure to head injuries.
Implications for the NFL
The high prevalence of CTE found amongst NFL players is extremely concerning, and raises questions about what can be done to protect current players from the condition. The NFL has taken a number of steps in recent years to try and mitigate the impact of head injuries on players - for example, implementing new rules around tackling and changing protocols around how players are assessed when they suffer a head injury. But more needs to be done to understand the long-term impact of CTE and how to prevent its development.
Some critics of the NFL have called for a more aggressive approach towards head injuries - such as a ban on hard helmets - to mitigate the severity of concussions and the risk of long-term brain damage. Others question whether the NFL is doing enough to support the families of current players, who may be suffering from the effects of CTE, and whether it has adequately compensated those who have been impacted by the condition.
Undoubtedly, the findings of the study are concerning for all involved in football, from the players themselves to the league and sponsors. But the hope is that increased awareness of CTE and its symptoms will lead to greater research and a better understanding of how to prevent its progression.
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