Mass General Brigham Finds 1 in 4 Former NFL Players Had CTE
Updated
Updated · WCVB Boston · Aug 25
Mass General Brigham Finds 1 in 4 Former NFL Players Had CTE
3 articles · Updated · WCVB Boston · Aug 25
Summary
One in four former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 showed evidence of CTE at death, according to a Mass General Brigham study.
The brain disease is tied to repetitive head impacts over time, including seemingly minor hits, and is associated with mood changes, behavioral problems and, in severe cases, higher dementia risk.
CTE still can be confirmed only through autopsy, limiting diagnosis during life even as doctors say symptoms affecting thinking, attention and mood can be treated.
The findings add to evidence that cumulative head trauma endangers not only football players but also soldiers and athletes in other contact sports such as boxing.