Neuroscientists warn over dementia link to head injuries in sport

WARNINGS HAVE been made over a lack of understanding of the causes of a type of dementia linked to head injuries in sport.

More than 60 international neuroscientists have published their concerns over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a medical journal.

The condition is associated with repeated concussions and has been linked with sports including as boxing, football, American football and rugby.

The experts said reporting of the issue failed to acknowledge that scientific and medical understanding of CTE is at an early stage. Dr Willie Stewart, Consultant Neuropathologist and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Glasgow, said: “In recent years there has been a worrying trend to imply that the causes, diagnosis and prevalence of CTE are fully understood, or at least that data to date leaves little doubt. The truth is we know very little about CTE, certainly not enough to be able to estimate with any certainty how many people might be affected, or what the various symptoms might be.

“Much more research effort is required before we can confidently say we understand this condition.” The experts said a lack of understanding of CTE could lead to the wrong decisions being made about treatments.

Prof Douglas Smith, of the University of Pennsylvania, said: “Current reporting on the possible consequences of CTE without acknowledging the many unknowns and uncertainties can do real harm. In particular, individuals with potentially treatable conditions might make decisions on their future based on a misguided understanding that their symptoms are the inevitable consequence of a brain disease that will lead to dementia.”