Summary: New research shows that 34% of former NFL players believe they have CTE, a condition only diagnosable after death, and those with this belief report more health issues and suicidal thoughts.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A new study of nearly 2,000 former NFL players has uncovered a concerning trend: about one-third believe they have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurological condition linked to repeated head trauma that can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. This perception of having CTE is associated with a range of health issues and a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
The research, published on September 23, 2024, in JAMA Neurology, was conducted by a team including researchers from Mass General Brigham as part of the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University. It sheds light on the complex interplay between perceived health conditions and actual symptoms among former professional football players.
The CTE Perception and Its Implications
The study found that 34.4% of the 1,980 former NFL players surveyed reported believing they had CTE. These individuals were more likely to report a cluster of health issues compared to those without CTE concerns:
- Cognitive problems
- Low testosterone levels
- Depression
- Headaches
- Chronic pain
Importantly, many of these conditions can cause cognitive problems even in individuals without a history of head injuries, suggesting that the symptoms may not necessarily be linked to CTE.
Dr. Ross Zafonte, a co-author of the study and President of Spaulding Rehabilitation, emphasized the impact of beliefs on health: “As complex human beings, our beliefs can exert a strong impact on our health. The symptoms that raise CTE concerns are real and CTE concerns are valid, but it’s critical to understand that having persistent fears about this condition can take a toll on mental health.”
Suicidality and CTE Perception
One of the most alarming findings of the study was the correlation between perceived CTE and suicidal thoughts:
- 25.4% of participants who believed they had CTE reported suicidality
- Only 5% of those who did not believe they had CTE reported suicidal thoughts
Even after accounting for depressive symptoms, individuals who believed they had CTE were twice as likely to report frequent thoughts of suicide or self-harm. This suggests that some suicidality may stem from the assumption of having an untreatable neurodegenerative disease rather than from depression alone.
The Importance of Treating Underlying Conditions
The researchers stress the need for comprehensive medical evaluations for former players experiencing cognitive symptoms. Dr. Rachel Grashow, the study’s first author, notes: “A key takeaway from this study is that many conditions common to former NFL players such as sleep apnea, low testosterone, high blood pressure and chronic pain can cause problems with thinking, memory and concentration.”
The study underscores the importance of identifying and treating underlying conditions that may be contributing to cognitive symptoms. This approach could potentially alleviate symptoms and improve overall mood, even in the absence of a definitive CTE diagnosis.
Moving Forward: Focus on Treatable Conditions
While the concerns about CTE are legitimate, the researchers emphasize the importance of focusing on treatable conditions. Dr. Aaron Baggish, the study’s senior author, suggests: “Until clinical guidelines and treatments for CTE become available, former players and their physicians should explore treatment interventions and positive health behavior changes that have been shown to improve cognitive function, overall health, and quality of life.”
These interventions may include:
- Weight loss
- Exercise
- Improving sleep
- Implementing a low-salt diet
Such lifestyle changes have been shown to improve cognitive function and overall health, potentially benefiting former players regardless of their CTE status.
The study’s findings raise important questions about the psychological impact of perceived CTE and the need for comprehensive care for former NFL players. As research into CTE continues, it’s crucial that players, healthcare providers, and the wider community remain focused on addressable health issues while supporting ongoing efforts to understand and treat CTE.
Quiz:
- What percentage of former NFL players in the study believed they had CTE?
- How much more likely were players who believed they had CTE to report suicidal thoughts compared to those who didn’t?
- What is one of the recommended interventions for improving cognitive function in former players?
Answers:
- 34.4%
- Five times more likely (25.4% vs 5%)
- Weight loss, exercise, improving sleep, or implementing a low-salt diet
Further Reading:
- JAMA Neurology
- Football Players Health Study at Harvard University
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page
Glossary of Terms:
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A progressive brain condition associated with repeated head trauma.
- Suicidality: Thoughts, plans, or actions related to suicide.
- Cognitive Function: Mental processes including thinking, remembering, and reasoning.
- Neuropathological: Relating to diseases or damage of the nervous system.
- Comorbid Conditions: Two or more medical conditions existing simultaneously in a patient.
Enjoy this story? Get our newsletter! https://scienceblog.substack.com
