Boston College researchers hope they’ll deal with the thriller of learn how to diagnose continual traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) within the dwelling, as they recruit lots of of former soccer gamers for a brand new examine.
Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is among the many first to enroll in “The DIAGNOSE CTE Analysis Venture-II.”
“As a former NFL participant, I do know I’m in danger for CTE, however proper now I’m blessed to be feeling wholesome,” stated Hasselbeck, a three-time Professional Bowler throughout his 18-season profession.
“As a former quarterback, I am selecting to volunteer for DIAGNOSE CTE II to honor my teammates, particularly those that blocked for me and took hits to the pinnacle, so I did not must,” he added. “I encourage former school and professional soccer gamers aged 50 and over to affix me in signing up for the examine to assist researchers learn to diagnose and deal with CTE.”
Proper now, CTE can solely be identified definitively after loss of life following an post-mortem.
Researchers within the examine will take a look at new illness biomarkers to assist docs diagnose the progressive mind illness continual traumatic encephalopathy in dwelling sufferers.
Scientists are additionally attempting to learn to differentiate CTE from comparable ailments like Alzheimer’s.
“This examine will create unprecedented knowledge units wanted to precisely diagnose CTE throughout life,” stated Michael Alosco, affiliate professor of neurology on the Boston College Chobanian & Avedisian College of Medication.
“It would fill two lacking hyperlinks within the literature stopping us from growing definitive diagnostic standards for CTE throughout life,” Alosco added. “First, we want longitudinal research that embrace mind donation. Second, we have to higher examine folks in danger for CTE to different illness teams.”
Though this examine will solely examine male soccer gamers, researchers stated the findings will profit all teams in danger for CTE—together with female and male contact sports activities athletes and navy veterans.
The examine will look at new potential biomarkers utilizing blood and mind imaging to assist docs precisely diagnose CTE in dwelling sufferers.
Individuals will enroll in one of many 5 Alzheimer’s illness analysis facilities to finish neurological, cognitive and neuropsychiatric exams, multimodal mind imaging, tau PET imaging, and blood attracts.
The data will probably be analyzed to characterize the precise indicators, signs, and biomarkers of individuals in danger for CTE. Journey help for members is offered.
Chris Nowinski and the Concussion Legacy Basis will lead recruitment efforts. Robert Turner, an affiliate professor from Duke College, will assist with recruitment, specializing in understudied teams.
The DIAGNOSE CTE Analysis Venture-II will recruit 350 males aged 50 and older, together with 225 former school {and professional} soccer gamers, 75 management members and 50 folks with Alzheimer’s illness.
Former soccer gamers, in addition to males who haven’t any historical past of contact and collision sports activities, who’re considering taking part are inspired to enroll in the Concussion Legacy Basis Analysis Registry at CLFResearch.org.
2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content material Company, LLC.
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Researchers attempting to diagnose CTE throughout life, recruit former soccer gamers (2025, Could 9)
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