Study Reveals High CTE Rates Among Former NFL Players

A study published in the British Medical Journal reveals that almost 25% of former NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The research was conducted by teams from Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Boston University, among others.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of CTE among former players and its correlation with dementia. It found that over 90% of those with stage IV CTE, the most severe form, also had dementia. In total, 338 of 1,712 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2021 donated their brains for study, with 315 diagnosed with CTE.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) emphasized the importance of these findings, stating they highlight the risks of football and the need for improved player safety. The NFL has committed to enhancing resources for player health and safety, encouraging former players to seek treatment for health concerns.