Impact of Repeated Head Impacts in Contact Sports on Brain Health

New research indicates that repeated impacts in contact sports lead to early and permanent changes in athletes’ brains, even before chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) markers become detectable. This study focuses on young athletes and adults up to age 51, who do not yet show accumulation of tau protein, a traditional marker of CTE.

Neuron Loss and Its Effects

The study noted a loss of up to 56% of neurons in brain regions most susceptible to impacts, even in the absence of tau protein accumulation. This loss correlates with the number of years athletes have been exposed to repeated head impacts, suggesting that neurological damage can occur earlier than previously thought.

This neuron loss may have long-term effects on athletes’ cognitive and mental functions, highlighting the importance of developing early preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Activation of Microglial Cells

The research also showed an increase in the activation of microglial cells in the brain with more years of exposure to contact sports. These cells play a crucial role in the brain’s immune response and may contribute to inflammatory processes that precede the onset of CTE.

Understanding how these cells function and interact with brain tissue could be key to developing treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and improving brain health.

Changes in Cerebral Blood Vessels

The study also revealed genetic changes in cerebral blood vessels, which may indicate immune activity in response to reduced oxygen levels in nearby brain tissue. These changes could lead to the growth and thickening of blood vessels, potentially affecting the brain’s oxygen supply.

The newly discovered communication between microglial cells and blood vessels may explain how early cellular problems can pave the way for disease development before it becomes visible as a CTE diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of understanding early cellular changes resulting from repeated impacts in contact sports. Recognizing these changes can help develop new methods for diagnosing and preventing the effects of repeated head injuries, protecting athletes from the potential development of CTE and other forms of neurological decline.