BOSTON — After years of research, Boston University scientists say they have made an important first step in identifying CTE in the living.
CTE, which stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a brain disease that is caused by repeated blows to the head. It's what people use to call "punch drunk"
For decades, there's only been one way to diagnose the disease, and that is by examining a person brain after they are dead.
In this new study, the BU team says it's found a bio-marker or protein the body produces when CTE is present.
“Knowing that someone has this disease opposed to other diseases allows us to treat them more effectively,” Dr. Jonathan Cherry said.
The goal is to one day to use the bio-marker to test for CTE in the living.
“Identifying CTE in living people is really what we want to do we don't want to have to wait until people pass to say they have this disease,” Cherry said.
As Boston 25 News has reported over the last couple of years, the BU CTE Center has found the disease in the brains of hundreds of deceased NFL players.
Most recently, an examination of Aaron Hernandez's brain revealed he died with advanced stage CTE.
If CTE can be diagnosed before death, scientists say it will bring them closer to discovering treatments and maybe one day even a cure.
Below is the full response from the NFL regarding this new development:
"The recent news out of Boston University is certainly important and as Dr. McKee notes, 'a lot more research is needed.' Research around CTE must continue to move forward and fill in the gaps that remain around this important issue. The NFL is committed to encouraging and supporting scientific research related to the diagnosis and treatment of concussion and associated conditions, including CTE. Most recently, as part of our Play Smart. Play Safe. initiative we have allocated $40 million toward medical research, primarily dedicated to neuroscience. A Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprising leading independent experts and chaired by Peter Chiarelli, U.S. Army Gen. (Ret.) sent out a "Request for Proposals" earlier this month. Through this work, we hope to advance the ongoing efforts and progress in the diagnosis and treatment of head injuries—across all levels of football and society at large."<br/> Additional background that may be relevant for your story:<br/> "The NFL has made real strides to do everything it can to better protect players and make the game safer, including:<br/> Changing the rules—47 since 2002—to make the game safer.Implementing significant new medical protocols and changed the way the game is taught.Encouraging a culture change—everyone from coaches to players to owners to prioritize health and safety.Stimulating advancements in engineering, biomechanics and materials to improve protective equipment.Investing in medical research and partnering with preeminent experts and institutions to advance progress—letting science lead the way.Embracing the opportunity to be leaders in athletic safety. We commit to sharing what we're learning across all levels of football—and to other sports and society at large." <br/>
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