A comprehensive study examining the brains of deceased former NFL players has found an "alarmingly high" prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Researchers from Mass General Brigham, Boston University, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation analyzed brain tissue from 235 former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021, a period that yielded the largest number of brain donations from former players.

CTE Findings

Of the 235 brains studied, at least 24.5% showed evidence of CTE. This figure represents a conservative estimate, as researchers noted the actual prevalence could be as high as 97.7%. In contrast, only about 1% of the general population is affected by CTE. Lead author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar described the minimum rate as "alarmingly high" and expressed sadness at the findings.

The study found CTE in over 90% of the donated brains, with 30% exhibiting Stage 4 CTE, the most severe form of the disease. Symptoms of severe CTE include dementia, characterized by significant declines in memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions, to the point where individuals may struggle with daily activities such as grooming and feeding themselves.

Symptoms and Associated Conditions

CTE is caused by repeated blows to the head and is associated with cognitive decline, dementia, and personality changes, including aggression, confusion, depression, and impaired impulse control. The study also noted that 59.8% of the brain donors had dementia, and 18.6% had neurodegenerative disease listed as the primary cause of death.

The research highlighted the tragic outcomes for some former players. Philip Adams, a former cornerback and defensive back, died by suicide in 2021 after killing six people. Aaron Hernandez, a former tight end, died by suicide in prison in 2017. Vincent Jackson, a wide receiver, died from chronic alcoholism in 2021, with his wife stating he turned to alcohol to cope with cognitive difficulties. Autopsies revealed all three had CTE.

NFL's History with Head Injuries

The NFL has a long history of addressing concerns about head injuries. The league formed the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Committee in 1994, which published a study claiming serious head injuries were rare in NFL games and that players recovered quickly. The league has faced thousands of lawsuits from former players alleging negligence and agreed to a $765 million settlement with 20,000 former players in 2013.

In response to the new study, the NFL stated it "continuously strives to make the game of football safer, including by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts." Researchers, however, emphasize that CTE prevention should focus on reducing all repetitive head impacts, not just severe concussions.

Treatment and Management

Currently, there is no direct treatment or cure for CTE. However, experts can manage its symptoms through therapies such as physical therapy and behavioral therapy to address mood swings and depression. Senior author Dr. Jesse Mez stated, "Help is available. We have treatments for many symptoms believed to be associated with CTE, and in our clinic we find that symptoms can improve with proper medical care."