Tau Protein Abnormalities in Former NFL and College Football Players

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Nevada Las Vegas have published a study on tau protein abnormalities in former NFL and college football players. The study confirms previous findings of higher spatial extent of tau protein elevations in these individuals compared to asymptomatic controls. The research, which included 106 former NFL players, 51 former college players, and 53 unexposed controls, used a voxel-based Majority Count Statistics (MCS) algorithm to detect tau protein abnormalities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that former NFL and college football players have a greater spatial extent of elevations in tau PET measurements than asymptomatic controls.
  • The NFL, college player, and aggregate player groups each had significantly more cerebral voxels with flortaucipir SUVR elevations than in the control group.
  • The research concluded that additional work is needed to clarify the biological nature of these small but spatially extensive elevations.
  • The study suggests that repetitive head impact exposure may be a risk factor for tau protein abnormalities in former football players.
  • The study involved 106 former NFL players, 51 former college players, and 53 unexposed controls, with a mean age of 57.71+8.37 years.
  • The researchers used a voxel-based MCS analysis to detect tau protein abnormalities in the brain scans of the study participants.
  • The study was conducted as part of the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project.
  • The results of the study were published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia in 2023.

Statistics:

  • 106 former NFL players were included in the study.
  • 51 former college players were included in the study.
  • 53 unexposed controls were included in the study.
  • The mean age of the study participants was 57.71+8.37 years.
  • The NFL group had significantly more cerebral voxels with elevations in tau PET measurements than the control group.
  • The college player group had significantly more cerebral voxels with elevations in tau PET measurements than the control group.
  • The aggregate player group had significantly more cerebral voxels with elevations in tau PET measurements than the control group.

Sources:

  • "Increased spatial extent of cerebral tau PET elevations in former NFL and college football players from the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project." Alzheimer's & Dementia, 2023, 19(S3), p 63.
  • University of Nevada Las Vegas Researcher Focuses on Entertainment. NewsRx, September 8, 2023.