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Retired NFL Football Players show signs of CTE
A study conducted by Dr. Gary Small and his colleagues from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA has shown that the early signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE can be detected early in the progression of the brain disease associated with multiple concussions. In the UCLA study, former NFL players who were older than 45 years of age and sustained at least one concussion and were experiencing cognitive and or mood problems were recruited. The study used a chemical marker called FDDNP which binds to the protein plaques and tangles associated with CTE and Alzheimer’s Disease. Individuals who had more concussions demonstrated higher plaque and tau tangles associated with CTE.
This study provides an opportunity for the earlier diagnosis of CTE and opportunities to prevent the tragedy of the disease that we have seen in several pro-football players over recent years.
Click here to read about the study:
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-01/uoc–usf011613.php
Taglines: CTE, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, tau tangles, concussion, brain injury, Dr. Gary Small