Experts react to new findings on CTE in former NFL players
Summary
A Boston University study estimated that 74.5% of former NFL players who died from 2008 to 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. Experts cautioned that the estimate may not reflect all former players or current athletes, and said more research is needed to understand CTE and identify early signs.Key Facts
- Researchers examined brain donations from 387 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023.
- Ninety-four percent of the donated brains showed some form of CTE.
- The researchers estimated that players with cognitive symptoms were five times more likely to donate their brains than other players.
- After adjusting for that selection bias, the researchers estimated that 74.5% of former NFL players who died during the period had CTE.
- The study appeared in JAMA Network Open and builds on estimates published in The British Medical Journal in August.
- Experts said the estimate may be too high and does not show how many players had symptoms of CTE.
- A researcher said the results should not be treated as representative of living athletes, including current NFL players.
- The NFL said it has introduced strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts, as well as more protective equipment.
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