CTE in NFL Players: What a New Study Tells Us -- And What It Doesn't

A recent study sheds light on the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) among former NFL players. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that nearly three-quarters of deceased NFL players from 2008 to 2023 had CTE. However, the study's authors emphasize that these findings do not apply to all former NFL players, as the data is based on a small subset of players who donated their brains for research.

Marc Weisskopf, PhD, ScD, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, noted that the deaths included in the study represent only about 10% of all NFL player deaths during the same period, and suggests that CTE might be less common among the still-living players. Furthermore, Rachel Grashow, PhD, of Harvard, pointed out that the study does not provide information on the severity of CTE in living players, which could have significant implications for their health and quality of life.

The study does, however, highlight the potential impact of head injuries on treatable conditions such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, low testosterone, depression, anxiety, and tinnitus, among others. These conditions could contribute to cognitive issues and dementia, and addressing them could help reduce the risks associated with CTE among former NFL players.