What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease that could impair brain function, negatively affecting memory, thinking, emotion and movement.

• CTE can occur years later after receiving repetitive hits to the head.

• Increased frequency of hits may increase your risk for CTE.

• Genetics and drug/alcohol use may increase risk for CTE

• Repetitive hits to the head that don't result in a concussion may still result in CTE.

• CTE currently can only be diagnosed after death by looking at the brain under a microscope.

Signs and symptoms

• Memory loss

• Mood swings

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Frustration

• Difficulty thinking

• Slurred speech

• Parkinsonism