This podcast episode discusses the growing evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in young athletes, highlighting the impact of concussions and hits to the head. The transcript shares stories of young athletes who have experienced the symptoms of CTE, such as memory loss, impulse control issues, insomnia, substance abuse, severe depression, and suicide attempts. It emphasizes the need for further research and understanding of CTE in young athletes and explores the challenges faced by both the athletes and their families in dealing with this brain disease.
Takeaways
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is now being found in young athletes, with research revealing advanced cases even in teenagers as young as 17 years old.
• CTE is caused by concussions and hits to the head and leads to symptoms such as memory loss, impulse control issues, insomnia, substance abuse, severe depression, and even suicide.
• The researchers at Boston University have studied over 60 brains of young athletes who have died, revealing the presence of CTE and providing insight into the connection between the disease and the athletes' decline.
• Young athletes who have experienced concussions and head injuries in sports such as football have faced challenges in their careers and personal lives, including struggles with addiction, mental health issues, and even suicide attempts.
• The growing evidence of CTE in young athletes highlights the need for further research, understanding, and preventive measures to protect the long-term brain health of young athletes.
• It is recommended that children under the age of 14 or before high school should not engage in tackle football to minimize the risk of CTE.
• The podcast episode also touches on other topics such as the permission given by Pope Francis to priests to bless same-sex couples and the signing of a controversial law in Texas allowing the arrest of migrants who illegally enter the state from Mexico.
