Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a type of dementia. You can get it from repeated blows to the head and repeated concussion.
CTE is associated with contact sports such as boxing, rugby and American football.
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 and disorientation
- 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
These could be:
- frequent mood swings
- feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated
- depression
Increasing confusion and disorientation
For example:
- getting lost
- wandering
- not knowing what time of day it is
Difficulty thinking
For example, finding it hard to make decisions.
Other symptoms
As the condition progresses, further symptoms may include:
- slurred speech (dysarthria)
- significant problems with memory
- Parkinsonism – tremor, slow movement and muscle stiffness
- difficulty eating or swallowing (dysphagia) – although this is rare
Causes of CTE
Things that increase the risk of CTE include:
- receiving repeated blows to the head
- repeated concussion
CTE and concussion are separate conditions. Many people who are concussed do not go on to develop the condition. But repeated minor head injuries can increase your risk of CTE.
People at risk of CTE
Certain people may be more at risk of CTE.
Athletes
Athletes with a history of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury from certain sports, including:
- contact sports, such as boxing or martial arts
- American football
- football - related to repeatedly heading the ball
- rugby
Military veterans
Military veterans with a history of repeated head trauma, such as blast injuries.
People with a history of repeated head injuries
For example:
- blows to the head caused by self-harm
- being a victim of repeated assaults
- poorly controlled epilepsy that results in repeated knocks to the head
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. 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 problems
Your GP can carry out some simple checks to try to find out what the cause may be. They can refer you to a specialist memory clinic for more tests, if necessary.
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 problems you're having. They may ask you to perform 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 treatments.
Healthcare professionals will usually be involved in your long-term care plan. For example, your GP or specialist and social care services.
You may also need to see a speech and language therapist or an occupational therapist.
Contact an Alzheimer's or dementia support group for more information and advice.
For example:
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.
For example:
- Wear the recommended protective equipment during contact sports.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations about returning to play after a concussion.
- Make sure that contact sports you or your child take part in are supervised by a qualified person.
- Seek medical advice if any symptoms of a previous head injury return.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE