Research
Preliminary study finds a clue in the quest to help diagnose CTE in the living
The Brief
- Scientists found a preliminary hint that measuring a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer's disease could one day help diagnose CTE in living people.
- The finding came from a preliminary study, and the source describes it as a clue rather than a validated test.
- The approach is aimed at football players and others who have suffered repeated blows to the head.
Why it matters
CTE can currently be confirmed only after death, so a blood-based marker that works in living people would be a significant step if later studies confirm it.
Who’s affected
- researchers studying traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration
- athletes and clinicians in contact sports
- anyone exposed to repeated head impacts
- #cte
- #alzheimers
- #biomarkers
- #traumatic brain injury
- #neurology
- #diagnostics
Scientists stumbled onto a hint that measuring a toxic protein tied to Alzheimer's disease just might one day be useful in diagnosing a different brain disease in football players and others who have suffered repeated blows to the head.