A Long Shot at Diagnosis: The Elusive Quest for CTE in the Living

The NFL has been criticized for its handling of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. But beneath the helmets and pads, something far more sinister lurks – the specter of CTE.

Former quarterback Matt Hasselbeck’s recent decision to undergo testing for CTE is a small but significant step in the quest to diagnose this condition in the living. At 50, he knows all too well the risks of his sport. He’s seen friends and teammates succumb to the ravages of CTE, their lives reduced to mere shadows of what they once were.

The study Hasselbeck has joined is part of a larger effort to crack the code on CTE diagnosis. Michael Alosco, co-director of clinical research at the Boston University CTE Center, hopes to recruit hundreds of participants in multiple locations. This includes not only former NFL players but also people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who never played contact sports.

CTE and Alzheimer’s may seem like distinct conditions, but researchers have discovered unsettling similarities between them. Both are degenerative brain diseases that manifest differently. “We’ve applied what we know works for Alzheimer’s disease,” Alosco said, “but it does not work for CTE.” The challenge is finding a marker specific to the protein of CTE versus Alzheimer’s.

The problem is that many symptoms associated with CTE mimic those of Alzheimer’s – memory loss, depression, violent mood swings. It’s like trying to distinguish between two identical twins; you can’t quite tell them apart until you look closer.

Critics have accused the NFL of mishandling CTE cases, but this is a problem that goes far beyond football. Military veterans and athletes in other contact sports are also at risk. According to Alosco, diagnosing CTE in the living is mostly guesswork. “We’re trying to get to the same spot with CTE as we did with Alzheimer’s,” he said.

Over 100 former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE after their deaths. Notable cases include Hall of Famers Junior Seau and Ken Stabler, along with former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.

For Hasselbeck and others participating in the study, it means a chance to contribute to a greater understanding of CTE. For researchers, it’s a long shot at diagnosis – but one that could potentially pay off big time. The study is still in its early stages, with roughly 10 patients participating in Phoenix so far.

Researchers hope to expand to hundreds of participants in multiple locations. But what happens next? It’s about developing treatments for this condition and getting closer to a diagnosis. As Hasselbeck and others contribute their experiences, they may be helping to pave the way for a future where CTE can be diagnosed and treated more effectively – and sooner.

As for the future, only time will tell. But one thing is certain – this is a story that’s far from over.