Early Signs of CTE Found in Young Athletes, Suggesting Preventive Measures

The largest study of brains of athletes under 30 has found early signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head trauma. The study, conducted by Boston University's CTE Center, analyzed 152 brains donated to the UNITE brain bank and found that 41% had autopsy-confirmed CTE. The majority of the athletes diagnosed were amateur players at the youth, high school, and college levels, challenging the notion that CTE is primarily a risk for professional athletes. The study also identified the first case of an American female athlete diagnosed with CTE. The findings highlight the need for early detection and treatment of symptoms in athletes exposed to repetitive head impacts.