Q&A Rising fears about CTE

Q What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy?

A It is a specific type of dementia and neurological disease triggered by repetitive head trauma. It is progressive and typically affects behaviour, memory and the ability to think. CTE can only be definitively diagnosed in post-mortem.

Q Who has been affected?

A It was previously known as “punch drunk” syndrome and, while still associated with boxers, a study of former American footballers found CTE in 110 out of 111 donated brains. Although British footballers have died after suffering dementia, brains were never examined, and so any link to CTE could not be confirmed. Heightened awareness has meant that CTE has now been found in two former footballers: Jeff Astle and Rod Taylor.

Q What is the Telegraph’s campaign?

A After reporting how half of the surviving outfield players in the 1966 World Cup team were suffering with dementia or memory problems, The Telegraph called on football authorities to commission research into the incidence of dementia among former players.

Q What are football authorities doing?

A A series of research projects have begun this year but there is anger that it has taken the authorities so long to commission this research.