CTE and Athletes

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has garnered greater public attention in recent years after it was diagnosed in several deceased football players, including former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez and Hall of Famer Junior Seau. CTE is linked to repetitive blows to the head and is thought to lead to mood, behavior and cognitive changes. It can afflict hockey players, combat veterans and others in addition to football players, and currently can be diagnosed only after death through microscopic examination of brain tissue. Some experts caution that media coverage has gotten ahead of the science, which is in the early stages of trying to answer such critical questions as how common CTE is and who is most at risk. Several state legislators want to ban tackle football for younger children, and many parents are questioning whether they should let their children play contact sports. Participation in tackle football among 6- to 12-year-olds is falling. The NFL, meanwhile, has faced increased scrutiny — and criticism — over its safety record, although some say it has made progress in managing concussions.