Nearly 75% of ex-NFL players who died from 2008-2023 had CTE, study finds
Summary
A Boston University-led study estimates that 74.5% of former NFL players who died from 2008 to 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. Researchers adjusted their estimate to account for brain donors’ greater likelihood of having symptoms; the study does not estimate how many living or active players have CTE.Key Facts
- Researchers found CTE in 362 of 387 deceased former NFL players whose brains were examined.
- The observed rate among those brain donors was about 94%; researchers adjusted it to an estimated 74.5% across the study group.
- The study appeared in JAMA Network Open and was led by Boston University researchers.
- CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
- Researchers accounted for evidence that former players with cognitive symptoms were five times more likely to donate their brains to science.
- The authors said the findings cover deceased players and do not predict CTE rates among living former or active players.
- The NFL cited equipment and rule changes intended to reduce concussions and head impacts; the NFL Players Association said it supports research and access to care.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
