Inside the battered brain

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease affecting mood, behavior, and cognition. Historically identified in boxers, it is now recognized in athletes and military veterans. CTE is linked to repeated head trauma and concussions. It causes tau protein deposits in the brain, affecting areas like the frontal and temporal lobes, hippocampus, and amygdala. Symptoms, including speech and movement difficulties, appear years after injury and worsen over time, leading to dementia. Currently, CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously through brain examination.

What does CTE stand for, and in which group was it first identified?

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; identified in boxers

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; identified in soccer players

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; identified in military veterans

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy; identified in rugby players

Which protein accumulates in the brain of individuals with CTE?

• Prion

• Alpha-synuclein

• Tau

• Beta-amyloid

Which areas of the brain are primarily affected by CTE?

• Frontal and temporal lobes

• Occipital and parietal lobes

• Cerebellum and brainstem

• Parietal and temporal lobes

What is a common symptom progression in CTE patients?

• Symptoms that improve over time

• Immediate memory loss followed by rapid recovery

• Gradual worsening of symptoms leading to dementia

• Sudden onset of symptoms with no progression

How is CTE currently diagnosed?

• Through a blood test

• Via MRI scans

• By examining the brain post-mortem

• Using a cognitive assessment