Understanding CTE: The Brain Disease Linked to Contact Sports
Source: Here's what to know about CTE, the brain disease the NYC shooter blamed for his mental health issues (2025-09-26)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head injuries, often found in athletes involved in contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey. The disease is characterized by the buildup of tau protein in the brain, which can lead to symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, impulsivity, and cognitive decline. CTE can only be diagnosed post-mortem through brain tissue analysis, making early detection and diagnosis challenging. Researchers and medical professionals are working to better understand CTE's causes, symptoms, and progression. Awareness of the risks associated with repeated head trauma has increased, prompting changes in sports safety protocols and encouraging players to report symptoms early. While there is no cure for CTE, ongoing studies aim to develop diagnostic tools and potential treatments to mitigate its impact and prevent future cases.