CTE, NFL, and the Brain

Many people have had concerns for years about the potential for repetitive brain injuries connected to many differing types of sports. Mohammad Ali’s reported cumulative brain damage following years in the ring is just one example. And most people are aware of the connection between NFL players and football-related brain damage. A pilot study at UCLA using brain scans and former NFL players has shown signs of a crippling disease in living players. Known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE, it is a neurodegenerative disease linked to memory loss, depression, and dementia. Now, ESPN reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru have written a book about football and brain injuries, to be released in October of this year. And FRONTLINE is producing a documentary based on their research. Reportedly, League of Denial airs Oct. 8 on FRONTLINE. My brain's opinion is that prevention is better than cure. With some forethought, some CTE at least should be preventable.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/league-of-denial/