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CTE & Neurodegeneration Issues Lillian Lee CTE & Neurodegeneration Issues Lillian Lee

Blood biomarkers detect reduced brain structure volume associated with repetitive head impacts in professional boxers and MMA fighters

A study in Neurology Advisor found that for active and retired professional fighters exposed to repetitive head impacts, blood plasma measurements of the biomarkers GFAP and NfL “may help identify those who are at risk for progressive regional brain atrophy and cognitive decline.”

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Conor Gormally Conor Gormally

Former NFL players report Mild Cognitive Impairment, dementia at higher rates than national average for their age

A study investigated the prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia in former NFL players ages 50+. The authors found significant disparities in the rate of self-reported MCI and dementia diagnoses between the study participants (who had spent at least one year in the NFL) and national incidence estimates. Alarmingly, almost 23% of participants aged 50-60 reported MCI.

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Lori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob Lori Mae Yvette Calibuso Acob

Sleep quality may explain the connection between mood dysregulation and neurodegeneration following TBI

A study by Jackie L. Gottshall et al. found that poor sleep quality may be an "important driver of the relationships" between common post-mTBI neuropsychiatric disorders—major depressive disorder (MDD), post-concussive symptoms (PCS), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—and biomarkers of neurodegeneration.

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Conor Gormally Conor Gormally

Veterans with mild brain injury history show cognitive deficits in line with early Parkinson’s Disease patients

A study found that veterans with mTBI history performed significantly worse on 4 of 9 cognitive tests than either the age-matched non mTBI veterans or the healthy controls. Concerningly, the test results for veterans with mTBI showed they were cognitively “at least three decades older.” They performed most closely to the cohort of early-stage Parkinson’s Disease patients.

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