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CTE Diagnoses in Living Players

May 12, 2020
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CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a specific type of brain change that is linked to repeated brain trauma. CTE is a real condition; however, it can only be diagnosed after a person passes away. As of yet, there is no test that can confirm whether a living person has CTE.

What the Science Says

  • We learned that some former players reported receiving a CTE diagnosis from their medical care provider.
  • Former players of color, older former players, and former linemen were more likely to receive a CTE diagnosis.
  • Former players with CTE diagnoses were more likely to report sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, and other conditions that independently cause cognitive problems that are often treatable.

Read the full paper.

What This Means for you

  • Cognitive symptoms (such as changes in mood and memory) can understandably raise concerns about CTE in former players. It is possible that you, or someone you know, has been given a CTE diagnosis. Former players given the diagnosis of CTE are encouraged to call to a doctor or specialist who can provide quality, evidence-based healthcare and ensure symptoms are not from other treatable conditions.
  • Symptoms often attributed to CTE include difficulties with memory and concentration, mood swings, and irritability and can be caused by sleep apnea, chronic pain, opioid medications, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions.
  • Managing and treating medical conditions has been shown to improve cognitive health (e.g., memory and moodiness) in measurable ways.
  • We recognize that some former players in our study may have the underlying brain changes associated with CTE. We believe that doctors should still be prioritizing health issues that can be managed or treated. If your physician believes you may have CTE, request a referral to see a specialist who is highly experienced in this area. These physicians will have access to the latest research and recently established criteria that can be considered for treatment. This CDC fact sheet provides useful information regarding CTE, CTE diagnoses, and more.

Action Items for Former Players

With a Specialist or a Doctor

If your clinician suggests that you may have CTE, ask if you have been tested for the following conditions that can affect cognitive function:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes or high blood sugar
  • Sleep apnea
  • High cholesterol
  • Other heart conditions
  • Low testosterone
  • Depression

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment, talk to your primary care physician (PCP) about getting a comprehensive neurocognitive evaluation from a neurologist or highly trained specialist.

To learn more about your health during a visit to the doctor:

  • Ask questions
  • Don’t be afraid to question a CTE diagnosis – it might be something else
  • Seek second opinions from specialists
  • Follow through and follow up with your physicians

It is important that your physician listens to you. Your PCP should be someone you trust, who understands your background, and with whom you can work.

With a Doctor or on Your Own

Physical exercise has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive health and quality of life:

  • Ask your physician to recommend specific exercises and lifestyle choices known to provide cardiovascular benefit while limiting wear and tear on joints, especially if you’ve had a prior ACL tear or joint injury.
  • Even if you are not going to the gym, find resources for working out indoors. On YouTube, FitnessBlender and Yoga with Adriene are two great channels that have been keeping the study team active.

Train your brain:

Reach out to your social circle:

  • Maintaining a healthy social life with friends and family has been shown to improve cognitive function, physical health ,and even extend the lifespan.
  • Arrange a hangout with long distance family and friends through Zoom or FaceTime to strengthen these vital connections.