img

High Rate of Brain Disease in Deceased NFL Players

Posted On: 07-28-2017
High Rate of Brain Disease in Deceased NFL Players
In a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was found in 110 of 111 deceased National Football League (NFL) players. Researchers found this degenerative brain disease in players who had donated their brains to science after death.

The same disease was found in 91 percent of college football players, 88 percent of Canadian Football League players, and 21 percent of high school football players. In total, the study looked at autopsy results of 202 brains. Of those, 177 of the brains had CTE. In general, the more severe cases were found at the higher levels of the game. For example, high school football players had more mild cases of CTE. The study also revealed that the occurrence of CTE did not seem to depend on the position that had been played in football.

According to Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, a researcher at the Boston University School of Medicine’s CTE Center and the study’s co-author, these findings are concerning due to the large number of men who have professionally played the sport.

CTE is most common in individuals who have experienced repetitive brain trauma. In an autopsy, it presents as brain damage and protein clumps. According to previous studies, both concussions and jarring impacts can contribute to an increased risk. The disease can lead to mood disorders, behavioral problems, depression, impaired judgment, confusion, paranoia, memory loss, and more.

More testing is needed to determine the cause and effect relationship. Additionally, CTE can only be diagnosed after death, which makes understanding it more difficult.

See Related Articles

5 Tips for Using Ankle Weights

Weights are designed to strengthen muscles and make them wor ...
Posted On: 06-17-2016
read more

Do You Need an Activity Tracker?

Activity trackers are increasing in popularity, which is a p ...
Posted On: 10-12-2015
read more

Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away?

It’s likely that you’ve heard the common saying, “an a ...
Posted On: 09-16-2016
read more

Exercising to Combat Loose Skin After Weight Loss

Saggy skin is often a result of rapid weight loss. It occurs ...
Posted On: 06-03-2016
read more

How Much Water Should You Really Be Drinking?

If you have ever wondered how much water you need to drink i ...
Posted On: 09-30-2015
read more

If You Live in These Areas, You Might Be Happier

A new study looks at the attributes that might contribute to ...
Posted On: 05-25-2018
read more

Is Running Good For You?

Ask any dedicated runner how they feel about their sport, an ...
Posted On: 03-25-2016
read more

Just How Important is Exercise?

Most patients likely understand that exercise is healthy. Ho ...
Posted On: 12-06-2015
read more

New Recommendations for DIY Cloth Masks & What You Can Use

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently ...
Posted On: 04-10-2020
read more

Related Doctors

View All

Surgical Procedures

View All

Be Healthy

View All

Health News

Watch & learn

View All
GET A WEEKLY DOSE OF HEALTHY INSPIRATION
GET A WEEKLY DOSE OF HEALTHY INSPIRATION
Please enter required fields.
Subscription Successful.
Already Subscribed.
Enter Valid Email Address.