Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Neuropathological Comorbidities

Abstract

With age, the presence of multiple neuropathologies in a single individual becomes increasingly common. Given that traumatic brain injury and the repetitive head impacts (RHIs) that occur in contact sports have been associated with the development of many neurodegenerative diseases, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, it is becoming critical to understand the relationship and interactions between these pathologies. In fact, comorbid pathology is common in CTE and likely influenced by both age and the severity and type of exposure to RHI as well as underlying genetic predisposition. Here, we review the major comorbid pathologies seen with CTE and in former contact sports athletes and discuss what is known about the associations between RHI, age, and the development of neuropathologies. In addition, we examine the distinction between CTE and age-related pathology including primary age-related tauopathy and age-related tau astrogliopathy.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 30, 2020
Source ID
10.1055/s-0040-1713628

Entities

People

  • John F. Crary
  • Thor D Stein

Organizations

  • Alzheimer's Association
  • Boston University
  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  • United States Department of Defense
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • VA Boston Healthcare System

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Cognitive Aging in the Guam and Border Populations Affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Tau-Associated Dementias.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology