Understanding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, commonly referred to as CTE, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease found in individuals, particularly athletes, who have experienced repeated head traumas. CTE has become a subject of intense study and discussion over the past decade, especially within the realm of contact sports like American football. The condition is characterized by the accumulation of tau protein in the brain, which leads to a variety of neurological problems including memory loss, confusion, behavioral changes, and motor skill deterioration.

The Pathophysiology of CTE

The primary pathology of CTE revolves around the abnormal build-up of tau protein. This protein forms clumps that slowly spread throughout the brain, killing brain cells. The fenestration and misfolding of these proteins contribute to the symptoms seen in affected individuals. The process starts silently, often taking years or even decades to manifest as mild cognitive impairments, but eventually progresses to overt dementia and other severe neurological deficits.

Prevalence Among Football Players

Football players are particularly susceptible to CTE because of the high frequency of concussive and sub-concuss