Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is more popular nowadays as an illness which affects especially athletes, military men and other persons suffering from Multiple Concussion Syndrome. As a healthcare professional, I aim to increase awareness about this severe condition and, consequently, encourage individuals to adopt proper living habits that can significantly contribute to combating this disease.
What is Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?
In summary, chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that results from cumulative subcortical brain trauma. Moreover, CTE is a condition whose symptoms worsen with time and affect the brain of people with a history of multiple brain injuries. Additionally, this trauma comprises overt concussions and covert sub-concussive blows to the head that may not necessarily produce acute symptoms. Furthermore, the lasting effects of such issues may culminate in the forming of rogue tau protein in the head, which then interrupts normal brain activities.
Causes and Risk Factors for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is primarily linked to individuals who experience frequent head impacts. Specifically, the most common groups at risk are:
Athletes:
Concentrated especially those participating in contact sports such as football, boxing, hockey and soccer.
Military Veterans:
Especially that comes from people who have seen active deployment in the line of duty.
Individuals in High-Risk Jobs:
Such as construction workers and other service providers who could be involved in multiple accidents leading to head injuries. No doubt the brain is hard, but it is tender since an organ as vital as the brain can be compared to a flower that is so sensitive that the slightest touch is fatal to it. When the system is exposed to repeated checks, it marks the beginning of different forms of damage, including minute injuries to the brain, occurring inflammation and abnormalities in the accumulation of tau proteins.
Symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
CTE symptoms can vary widely but generally fall into four categories: Cognitive functions include learning, memory, perception and attention, mood encompasses feelings and emotions, behaviour includes actions and reactions, and motor involves movement.
Cognitive Symptoms:
Alopecia, memory loss, confusion, judgment, and progressive dementia.
Mood Symptoms:
I bet you didn’t know that these were the effects of not exercising; depression, apathy, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts.
Behavioural Symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
Those are elements such as aggression, impulsivity, and the inability to control one’s impulses.
Motor Symptoms:
Motor symptoms include parkinsonism or rigid and dystonic movements, balance and gait disorders, and speech difficulties.
It is quite difficult to diagnose the injuries that result from head trauma since the symptoms may only surface after years or even decades.
Diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Today, there is no certain way to diagnose CTE at the moment of the disease’s manifestation; it is possible only after the death of a person and an autopsy examination. Scientists have explored the exact structural alterations in the brain regions like the formation of tau proteins. While the concept of an accurate antemortem diagnosis is still a long way from realization, these recent technologies could open up new lines of thought.
Living a Healthy Lifestyle to Prevent Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Of course, understanding how CTE works is the first step in curbing it – and one key factor? Minimizing head trauma. Here are some strategies to consider: Here are some strategies to consider:
Protective Gear:
There is also general safety advice to always wear proper protective gear when involved in sporting activities or risky endeavours.
Education and Training For Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
It will be beneficial for coaches and trainers to stress precautionary measures and to make players report the symptoms or incidences of head knocks.
Health Monitoring For Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
People suffering from the disease should also observe any signs of head injury and adhere to strict health checkups as this may be helpful in the early stages of the sickness.
Healthy Diet:
Anti-oxidant foods also need to be incorporated into the meals as well as foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids besides foods that have anti-inflammation properties which are good for the brain. Fish, nuts, berries, and the like should be taken in, while foods like meat, bread, salt, coffee, alcohol, and sugar should be avoided.
Regular Exercise:
Increased blood flow and a decrease in inflammation have been proven to enhance the brain’s well-being through physical activities. Besides, exercise and fitness such as walking, swimming and yoga help enhance brain capacity.
Mental Health Support:
Mood and behavioural symptoms related to CTE should be detected in the early stages, as early intervention can reduce them. It also suggests useful practices, and these include mindfulness, therapy, and social activities.
Avoid Substance Abuse:
Of particular interest, the overconsumption of alcohol and illicit drug use have been identified as the precipitating factors to aggravate brain injuries and the likelihood of contracting CTE. Abstinence is par excellence a healthy way to live in society and this needs to be practiced at all times.
Treatment and Management of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Although man does not know of a direct cure for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) today, management and/or treatment aim to ensure well-controlled symptoms and minimize resulting disability as much as possible. This multidisciplinary approach includes:
Medications:
Doctors commonly use these categories of drugs to manage mood swings, depression, and other cognitive symptoms.
Therapy:
Psycho-educational treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other counselling modalities are also useful in addressing behavioural/mood manifestations.
Lifestyle Changes to treat Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE):
Engaging in physical activity with an emphasis on the cardio system, healthy nutrition, and lifestyle practices promoting brain health.Support Systems:
Engaging with support groups and connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
The Future of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Research
The current study points to the following future research directions for the CTe program in four areas: 1) Conceptual Grounding and Development; 2) Theoretical Framework and Models for CTe Practice; 3) Program Evaluation and Outcome; and 4) Effectiveness of CTe in Student Achievement. Researchers are conducting further studies on CTE to find methods that will allow for diagnosing the disorder in the early stages and providing treatment.
Currently, there are no devices capable of diagnosing CTE in living people, but modern developments in imaging technology, including advanced MRI and PET scans, offer potential clues for diagnosing this disease. Most importantly, research on the effects of genetics and biomarkers of CTE is opening doors to a more customised style of managing the disease.
Conclusion
The sentence is already in active voice. There is no need for changes. Understanding more about HBD, its causes, its signs and symptoms and ways to prevent it helps us act promptly to safeguard our brain’s well-being. A healthy lifestyle, devoid of vices such as alcohol and drug abuse, coupled with a nutritious diet comprising balanced meals is necessary. Also regular engagement in physical activities and seeking professional psychological help when necessary is crucial for addressing CTE-related risks. The growing body of knowledge on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease gives hope for the development of enhanced diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches to the further enhancement of the quality of the lives of people suffering from this syndrome.
References
- McKee, A. C., Stein, T. D., Nowinski, C. J., et al. (2013). The spectrum of disease in chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Brain, 136(1), 43-64.
- Stern, R. A., Daneshvar, D. H., Baugh, C. M., et al. (2013). Clinical presentation of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Neurology, 81(13), 1122-1129.
- Mez, J., Daneshvar, D. H., Kiernan, P. T., et al. (2017). Clinicopathological evaluation of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in players of American football. JAMA, 318(4), 360-370.
- Giza, C. C., & Hovda, D. A. (2014). The new neurometabolic cascade of concussion. Neurosurgery, 75(Suppl 4), S24-S33.
- Blennow, K., Hardy, J., & Zetterberg, H. (2012). The neuropathology and neurobiology of traumatic brain injury. Neuron, 76(5), 886-899.
By incorporating these strategies and staying informed, we can better protect our brains and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
