The Devastating Reality of CTE: Brain Disorder Linked to Repeated Concussions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams revealed on Tuesday that the city's medical examiner would determine the next steps for Tamura's body, including whether his brain would be tested for CTE, a brain disorder linked to repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries. The connection between CTE and professional sports has been heightened in recent years, with athletes in high-contact sports retiring sooner than planned. According to Harvard Medical School, symptoms of CTE include memory loss, problems with attention, mood disturbances, impaired judgment, poor muscle coordination, and suicidal thoughts.

Key Takeaways:

• CTE is a brain disorder linked to repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries, with symptoms worsening over time, even without additional head injuries.
• Treatments for CTE include physical and speech therapy, but the disease can only be diagnosed after death, using an autopsy.
• A study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players found that one in three believe they have the degenerative brain disease CTE.
• Boston University announced that 345 former NFL players, out of 376 studied, had been diagnosed with CTE.
• Research in former hockey players found that the odds of developing CTE increased by 34% with each year they played the sport.
• CTE has been found in the brains of people who box, rugby players, and military veterans, highlighting the need for increased research in this area.
• Hundreds of brain donations from athletes have helped contribute to a 25% reduction in concussions across the last five NFL seasons.
• Increased awareness about CTE has led athletes in high-contact sports to retire sooner than planned, with some notable cases including former NFL players Aaron Hernandez and Brett Favre.

Statistics:

• 1 in 3 former NFL players believe they have CTE (according to a study of nearly 2,000 former players).
• 345 former NFL players, out of 376 studied, had been diagnosed with CTE (Boston University).
• The odds of developing CTE increased by 34% with each year played in hockey (study on former hockey players).
• 25% reduction in concussions across the last five NFL seasons (Harvard).
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Suicide Prevention Helpline in the USA (available 24/7).

Sources:

• The New York Post - "Shane Tamura's notes shows his brain damage was caused by CTE and not his own guilt"
• CNN - New York City Mayor Eric Adams talks about the NYC shooting and CTE
• Harvard Medical School - CTE and Its Symptoms
• Boston University - Research on CTE in former NFL players
• Harvard - Research on CTE and concussions in the NFL
• The Independent - Dr. Rachel Grashow on CTE and suicidality
• Mayo Clinic - CTE in athletes and military veterans
• Samaritans - Helpline for those struggling with distress or suicidal thoughts