Stages of CTE

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a medical condition of brain deterioration that has been linked to football and other sports with a high frequency of concussions and repetitive brain trauma.

73-year old

world-

champion

boxer

End stage CTE

and dementia showing very

severe tau

protein deposition

45-year old, played seven seasons in National

Football League

Abundant tau protein deposition in the brain.

Stage 1

A protein called tau forms around the frontal lobe of the brain and the blood vessels, which can interfere with brain activity and will eventually kill brain cells.

Symptoms

Headaches, possible short-term memory loss, loss of attention and concentration.

Stage 2

The tau proteins begin to affect more of the brain's nerve cells in the frontal lobe.

Symptoms

Rage, impulsiveness, depression, mood swings, short-term memory loss

Stage 3

The tau proteins move from the frontal lobe to the temporal or side portion of the brain. Here the amygdala and hippocampus, which control emotion and memory, are affected.

Symptoms

Confusion, memory loss, aggression, visuospatial issues

Stage 4

Tau deposits completely envelope the brain, killing several nerve cells. This results in the shrinking of the brain and causes the brain to become slightly deformed and weak, which causes limited ability in cognitive functions.

Symptoms

Advanced dementia, language difficulties, executive dysfunction; affects physical movement for some

Stages of CTE

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a medical condition of brain deterioration that has been linked to football and other sports with a high frequency of concussions and repetitive brain trauma.

45-year old, played seven seasons in National

Football League

Abundant tau protein deposition in the brain.

73-year old

world-champion

boxer

End stage CTE

and dementia showing very

severe tau

protein deposition

Stage 1

A protein called tau forms around the frontal lobe of the brain and the blood vessels, which can interfere with brain activity and will eventually kill brain cells.

Symptoms

Headaches, possible short-term memory loss, loss of attention and concentration.

Stage 2

The tau proteins begin to affect more of the brain's nerve cells in the frontal lobe.

Symptoms

Rage, impulsiveness, depression, mood swings, short-term memory loss

Stage 3

The tau proteins move from the frontal lobe to the temporal or side portion of the brain. Here the amygdala and hippocampus, which control emotion and memory, are affected.

Symptoms

Confusion, memory loss, aggression, visuospatial issues

Stage 4

Tau deposits completely envelope the brain, killing several nerve cells. This results in the shrinking of the brain and causes the brain to become slightly deformed and weak, which causes limited ability in cognitive functions.

Symptoms

Advanced dementia, language difficulties, executive dysfunction; affects physical movement for some