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CTE

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·August 30, 2019·8 min read

Number of years in NFL plus certain positions portend greater risk for cognitive and mental health problems

Longer career length and playing specific positions put NFL players at greater risk of developing cognitive problems and mental health issues. Playing for 10 or more seasons increased the risks for depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment twice as much than those who played for a single season. For every five seasons of play, the risks increase 20% for cognitive impairment. Those most at risk are running backs, linebackers and those who played special teams positions.

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·August 7, 2019·6 min read

Routine hits playing football cause damage to the brain

Sustained hits following one season of playing football are enough to cause structural alterations to the brain. When players sustain a concussion, structural brain integrity decreases, and levels of tau increase. Researchers say, while concussions are a prime concern for those who play football, sustained hits also pose a threat to neurological health.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 10, 2019·5 min read

Experimental PET scan detects abnormal tau protein in brains of living former NFL players

PET imaging of former NFL players who exhibited cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms linked to CTE showed higher levels of tau in areas of the brain associated with the neurodegenerative disease.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·November 19, 2018·6 min read

Playing High School Football Changes the Teenage Brain

Researchers say a single season of playing high school football is all it takes to cause microscopic alterations to the structure of the brain.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·November 5, 2018·3 min read

Genetic Risk Factor for CTE Detected

A new study identifies a genetic mutation that may influence the severity of CTE.

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·November 4, 2018·5 min read

Evidence of Brain Injuries in Football Players at Surprisingly Young Age

Researchers find evidence of cognitive issues and miRNA biomarkers, indicating brain injuries from concussions or head-to-head contact, in college football players. The findings indicated lasting damage caused by sports related concussions occur earlier than expected.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 19, 2018·5 min read

Regulating Microglial Activity May Reduce Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Researchers report activating microglia may help reduce the imbalance between neuroprotection and neurotoxicity for neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Neurology

·August 7, 2018·8 min read

Study of Retired NFL and NHL Players Doesn’t Find Evidence of Early Onset Dementia

A new study, which involved a small sample of former professional athletes, found no evidence of early onset dementia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 30, 2018·4 min read

Youth Tackle Football Participation Linked to Early Onsite of Cognitive and Emotional Problems

A new study of football players who were diagnosed with CTE reveals those who started playing tackle football before the age of 12 had earlier onset of emotional and cognitive problems.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 5, 2018·6 min read

Uncovering the Long-Term Health Impact of Playing in the NFL

Using data from replacement players who entered into the NFL when professionals went on strike in 1987, researchers evaluate player mortality and overall health. The findings, researchers report, may help to make the game safer for current football players.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 18, 2018·7 min read

Hits, Not Concussion, Cause CTE

A new study reveals head impact, not concussion, triggers CTE. The discovery could help with early detection and treatments for the neurodegenerative disorder.