Based on the information provided and my background as a seasoned journalist, here is a possible news report:
NFL Study: One-Third of Retired Players Believe They Have CTE
Byline: [Your Name], Staff Reporter
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 23, 2024) A significant portion of former National Football League (NFL) players believe they are suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to a new survey released Monday. The degenerative brain disease, which is linked to repeated head trauma, can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem.
The survey, conducted by researchers at Harvard University and published in the medical journal JAMA Neurology, polled 1,980 retired NFL players whose careers spanned from 1960 to 2020. Of these respondents, a staggering one-third, or 681 players, reported that they believe they have CTE.
Symptoms commonly associated with CTE, such as depression, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts, were reported by many of the players who perceived themselves as having the condition. More than 230 former players indicated that they had experienced suicidal thoughts, while 176 reported a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
The study’s lead author, neuroscientist Rachel Grashow of Harvard University, highlighted the complexity of diagnosing CTE in living patients. While we wait for advances in CTE research to better address living players’ experiences, it is imperative that we identify and address the various conditions that can affect cognitive health, Grashow said in a press release.
The findings also suggest a potential link between the belief of having CTE and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Players who believed they had CTE were twice as likely to report frequent thoughts of suicide or self-harm, even after controlling for other factors.
However, the study cautions that other health issues common among former NFL players, such as sleep apnea, low testosterone, high blood pressure, and chronic pain, can also impact cognitive function. This raises the question of whether the reported symptoms are solely due to CTE or other medical conditions.
The NFL has faced increasing scrutiny over the long-term health effects of playing professional football, particularly in relation to brain injuries. This latest research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the need for further study and support for retired players.
As the league and the medical community grapple with these findings, the study underscores the urgency of developing diagnostic tools and treatments for CTE in living patients, as well as providing comprehensive care for the mental and physical health of former athletes.
This report provides a balanced overview of the study’s findings, the implications for former NFL players, and the broader context of the ongoing conversation about the health risks associated with professional football.
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