At least 1-in-4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds
Summary
A new study found that at least 25% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. The study also showed that many players with CTE experienced dementia, especially in severe cases.Key Facts
- CTE is a brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head and can only be diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue.
- The study looked at former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021, with 878 deaths during this period.
- Out of 235 players who donated their brains, 215 (91.4%) showed signs of CTE.
- Researchers estimated that between 24.5% and 97.7% of all deceased players in that period may have had CTE, with the true number likely in the middle.
- About 61.3% of players with CTE met the criteria for dementia, a decline in memory and thinking skills.
- The NFL stated it is working to make football safer and encourages former players to use health resources.
- The study suggests more research is needed, especially focusing on recent players and preventing repeated head injuries, not just concussions.
- The study was done by Mass General Brigham, Boston University, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation and published in The British Medical Journal.
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