A new study published in “The BMJ” reveals that at least 24.5% of former NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease caused by repeated head injuries.
How the research was done
Scientists from Mass General Brigham and Boston University looked at 878 former NFL players who died during that timeframe. Out of 235 donated brains, 215 tested positive for CTE.
Even under the most conservative assumption – that none of the unexamined brains had CTE – the rate stands at nearly one in four players. Lead author Daniel Daneshvar called the findings a “wake-up call for the NFL and scientific communities.”
Dementia and memory problems
The study highlights a direct link between CTE and cognitive decline finding that 61.3% of NFL donors with CTE suffered from dementia.
Severe brain damage was closely tied to higher rates of memory loss and mental confusion.
Reactions to the findings
Responding to the results, an NFL spokesperson stated that the league “continuously strives to make the game of football safer including by implementing strategies to reduce concussions and head impacts.”
Meanwhile, researcher Jesse Mez noted, “we recognize that these findings will be concerning for NFL players and their families and we want them to know that help is available.”
Experts urge concerned players to seek early medical evaluations.
