CTE is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disease caused primarily by repeated head injuries, often seen in athletes and military personnel, and can only be definitively diagnosed after death by examining the brain.
STATE OF MIND SPORT mental fitness coach, Jo Phillips (pictured above), has been diagnosed with this condition.
We asked Jo to explain a few things from her point of view
What did you first notice that led to you thinking something was not quite right? "When I was at home with my wife, I noticed that our toothbrushes had been put in a place where they definitely should not be. I asked my wife about this, and she said she hadn't moved them. Then it happened again when there was only me around, and I must have moved them there."
What did others notice? "Well, again, the toothbrushes were the first time it came to light, and the next big incident happened when I was out, and about, and then I didn't know where I was. I spoke to someone who was really helpful, but it was only close to home and really scary. I eventually was found, and that prompted a trip to see the doctor."
"When I went to see the GP, I underwent a series of tests over eight months, with the conclusion being that I was diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)."
"Unfortunately, there is little support out there; it can also be a controversial diagnosis for some people in sport, and there are big legal cases taking place in rugby union and rugby league."
Sam Peters (2023) 'Concussed: Sport’s Uncomfortable Truth' is Sam Peters’ award-winning exposé on the concussion crisis in professional sports, particularly rugby, highlighting player welfare failings and the long-term dangers of repeated head injuries. Amazon.co.uk : sam peters concussed
The World Health Organization (WHO) for formally recognizing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as a disease that can cause dementia in its updated global dementia fact sheet.
For decades, families affected by CTE have fought to have the disease acknowledged as a serious neurodegenerative condition linked to cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and progressive impairment. WHO’s recognition represents an important step toward global awareness, earlier diagnosis, prevention, and support for patients and caregivers.
According to the NHS, the symptoms of CTE include the following:
Early symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy may not be noticeable at first.
They may include:
As the condition gets worse, you'll have more noticeable problems with thinking and memory.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms usually start gradually, often around 10 years after having repeated head injuries.
The symptoms may worsen gradually or remain the same for years before getting worse. For more information click here Chronic traumatic encephalopathy - NHS
