Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a type of dementia. You can get it from repeated blows to the head and repeated concussion.

Playing contact sports such as boxing, rugby and American football can increase the risk of CTE.

Symptoms of CTE

The symptoms may be like other types of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease.

Symptoms of CTE can include:

• short-term memory loss
• changes in mood
• increasing confusion, such as getting lost or not knowing what time of day it is
• difficulty thinking

Short-term memory loss

Examples of short-term memory loss are:

• asking the same question many times
• difficulty remembering names
• difficulty remembering phone numbers

Changes in mood

Examples of changes in mood are:

• frequent mood swings
• feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated
• depression

Increasing confusion and disorientation

Symptoms of CTE include:

• getting lost
• wandering
• not knowing what time of day it is

Difficulty thinking

A person with CTE may find it hard to make decisions.

Other symptoms

As CTE progresses, further symptoms may include:

• slurred speech (dysarthria)
• significant problems with memory
• tremor, slow movement and muscle stiffness (Parkinsonism)
• difficulty eating or swallowing (dysphagia) - this is rare

Causes of CTE

Things that increase the risk of CTE include:

• getting repeated blows to the head
• repeated concussion

CTE and concussion are separate difficulties. Many people who are concussed do not go on to have CTE. But repeated minor head injuries can increase your risk of CTE.

People at risk of CTE

You're most at risk if you:

• regularly played contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts, football, rugby and American football
• served in the military and have had blast injuries
• have hit your head many times
• have been a victim of a number of assaults

When to seek medical advice

If you're worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, talk to your GP.

If you're worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment with their GP. You could suggest that you go along with them.

Dementia is not the only cause of memory problems.

They can also be caused by:

• depression
• stress
• medicines
• other health difficulties

Your GP can carry out some simple checks to try to find out what the cause may be. They may refer you to a specialist memory clinic for more tests, if needed.

When to seek medical advice for symptoms of concussion or head injury

Diagnosing CTE

A diagnosis is usually based on a history of:

• participating in contact sports
• symptoms

Your GP will talk to you about the difficulties you're having. They may ask you to do some mental or physical tasks. For example, moving or walking around. You may be referred to a specialist memory assessment service.

The following tests may be used to scan your brain:

• magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan
• computerised tomography (CT) scan

Treating CTE

Treatment is based around supportive care.

You will have a long-term care plan.

The people involved in your care may include:

• your GP
• people working in specialist and social care services
• a speech and language therapist
• an occupational therapist

Contact an Alzheimer's or dementia support group for more information and advice, for example:

• Understand Together
• Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Preventing CTE

The only known way to prevent CTE is to avoid repetitive head injuries. Although many head injuries are difficult to predict or avoid, there are ways to reduce your risk.