A new study from Boston University's CTE Center estimates that 75% of deceased former NFL players examined had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
The research, led by Dr. Ann McKee, director of the center, analyzed brain tissue from former professional football players. The findings underscore the long-term risks of concussions and subconcussive hits in American football.
CTE can cause memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and progressive dementia. The study adds to a growing body of evidence connecting the sport to the condition.
Dr. McKee has been a leading voice in CTE research, with her work dating back to at least 2017 when she analyzed brain tissue samples. The latest estimates highlight the prevalence of the disease among those who played at the highest level.
