Video At least 25% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had CTE

A new study has revealed that at least 25% of former National Football League (NFL) players who died between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This figure represents a conservative estimate, with researchers suggesting the actual prevalence could be as high as 97.7%. The findings, published in The British Medical Journal, indicate a significantly higher rate of the degenerative brain disease in this population compared to the general public, where CTE affects less than 1%.

Conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham, Boston University, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation, the study examined 235 donated brains from the 878 former NFL players who passed away during the specified period. Of these donated brains, 215, or 91.4%, showed evidence of CTE. The methodology aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of CTE prevalence by accounting for players whose brains were not donated.

Beyond the prevalence, the research also highlighted that 61.3% of former NFL players with CTE who donated their brains met the clinical criteria for dementia, with severe forms of CTE being more frequently linked to dementia. Lead author Dr. Daniel Daneshvar noted these findings serve as a "wake-up call" for the NFL and scientific communities, underscoring the need for further research, prevention strategies focused on reducing repetitive head impacts, and the development of treatments for the disease.