Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is an untreatable neurodegenerative disease that is a long-term consequence of head trauma. This trauma can result from single or multiple head injuries. CTE is usually discovered only during an autopsy, making it difficult to estimate the number of athletes suffering from this disease. When examined, the brains of those who suffered CTE injuries are characterized by the degeneration of tissue and the accumulation of tau proteins. CTE has been closely tied to athletes who participate in martial arts, boxing, wrestling, rodeo riding or playing football, hockey, rugby, lacrosse and other contact sports that involve repeated brain trauma. CTE has also been found in military servicemembers who have experienced blast injuries and those suffering from old age. Individuals with CTE often show symptoms that are similar to Alzheimer
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