Our Approach to TBI & Neurodegenerative Disease

As leaders, physicians, and researchers who lead this study, we recognize and acknowledge the growing scientific consensus that repetitive traumatic brain injuries—particularly those sustained in American Style football and other contact sports—significantly increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. We acknowledge there has been significant suffering and pain sustained by those who have had these diseases, as well as for their loved ones and family members. While we cannot yet predict who will develop these conditions, nor the magnitude, we want to make clear that all of our work and research is based on the premise that the risk is real. It is a fact that the impact of symptoms attributable to neurodegenerative disease, including CTE, can be life-altering for players and their families.

As we acknowledge the seriousness and overwhelming circumstances of those former and current athletes who contend with neurodegenerative diseases in their lifetime, we are uniquely positioned in this study to investigate the precise factors that may contribute to the onset of symptoms related to neurodegenerative diseases associated with repetitive traumatic brain injury. Through our recent research initiatives, we have discovered other factors that can affect cognitive function and related behavior. Conditions that are related to or can modify the manifestations of neurodegenerative disease and may be common in active and former players include high blood pressure, hearing loss, depression, physical inactivity, arthritis, social isolation, and sleep disorders.

Our entire team is heartened by this discovery – and hopeful that we can continue progress in learning more about this to elucidate these findings and move forward with interventions. We are also discovering that many of these conditions are treatable through lifestyle interventions and/or medical therapy. We remain committed to understanding these devastating symptoms.

While work toward this goal progresses, we urge current and former football players and their families who are concerned about their brain health to work with their doctors to identify modifiable risk factors that could impact cognition and related behavior, and to implement plans to address any and all issues that may improve brain health. Early and sustained intervention targeting modifiable factors may improve or at least preserve cognitive function and enhance their quality of life.

Our work is shaped by the lived experiences of former players and their families, whose courage and insight guide the questions we ask and the priorities we pursue. Our mission is to advance research that improves health, enhances quality of life, and reflects the realities of the communities we serve. We remain deeply committed to rigorous science that honors the experiences of those affected and to sharing information with them that is supportive and respects the complexity of the challenges they face. We look forward to learning together as this work evolves to elucidate the realities of life and health after a career in football.