NFL CTE Study: 1 in 3 Players Affected
- A recent study involving nearly 2,000 former NFL players reveals that approximately one-third are concerned they may have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The condition, associated with repeated head...
- The research, published in JAMA Neurology, indicates that players who believed they had CTE reported more cognitive issues, low testosterone, depression, headaches, and chronic pain compared to those...
- Clinicians should take all neurocognitive symptoms seriously, the researchers cautioned.They emphasize the importance of ruling out other potential causes through thorough assessments, including physical exams and brain scans,...
approximately one-third of former NFL players are concerned they may have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a new study. Teh research underscores a critical link: CTE concerns are strongly associated wiht increased suicidality among these athletes. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, highlights that the perception of CTE, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma, considerably impacts mental health. Players reporting CTE concerns also exhibited higher instances of cognitive issues, depression, and chronic pain. Clinicians must thoroughly assess neurocognitive symptoms, ruling out other treatable conditions that may mimic CTE. News Directory 3 reports on this important topic. Understand the connection between CTE worries and mental health struggles, and discover how to improve cognitive functions and overall well-being. Discover what’s next for those affected.
CTE Fears linked to Suicidality Among Former NFL players
Updated June 09, 2025
A recent study involving nearly 2,000 former NFL players reveals that approximately one-third are concerned they may have chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The condition, associated with repeated head trauma, can currently only be diagnosed post-mortem.
The research, published in JAMA Neurology, indicates that players who believed they had CTE reported more cognitive issues, low testosterone, depression, headaches, and chronic pain compared to those without such concerns. Researchers from Mass General Brigham,participating in the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University,conducted the study.
Clinicians should take all neurocognitive symptoms seriously, the researchers cautioned.They emphasize the importance of ruling out other potential causes through thorough assessments, including physical exams and brain scans, as these symptoms can stem from conditions unrelated to CTE.
Ross zafonte, DO, president of Spaulding Rehabilitation and a principal investigator with the Football Players Health Study at Harvard, emphasized the impact of beliefs on 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,” Zafonte said.
The study explored the link between CTE perception and suicidality by surveying 1,980 former players to determine the prevalence of CTE beliefs and their association with suicidal thoughts.
The analysis revealed that 34% of participants believed they had CTE. This group also reported higher rates of low testosterone, depression, mood instability, pain, cognitive symptoms, and head injuries. About 25% of those who believed they had CTE reported suicidality, compared to only 5% of those without such beliefs.
Even after accounting for depression, players who believed they had CTE were twice as likely to report frequent suicidal thoughts, suggesting that the perception of an untreatable neurodegenerative disease contributes to suicidality independently of depression.
“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,” said Rachel Grashow, PhD, MS, of Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
Aaron Baggish, MD, a professor of Medicine at the University of Lausanne and senior faculty member of the Football Players Health Study, suggested that until CTE treatments are available, former players should focus on interventions and lifestyle changes known to improve cognitive function and overall health, such as weight loss, exercise, and improved sleep.
What’s next
Researchers suggest further studies are needed to explore the complex relationship between CTE concerns, mental health, and overall well-being in former NFL players. They advocate for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological health.