Su Y, Protas H, Luo J, Chen K, Alosco ML, Adler CH, Balcer LJ, Bernick C, Au R, Banks SJ, Barr WB, Coleman MJ, Dodick DW, Katz DI, Marek KL, McClean MD, McKee AC, Mez J, Daneshvar DH, Palmisano JN, Peskind ER, Turner RW, Wethe JV, Rabinovici G, Johnson K, Tripodis Y, Cummings JL, Shenton ME, Stern RA, Reiman EM. Flortaucipir tau PET findings from former professional and college American football players in the DIAGNOSE CTE research project.
Alzheimers Dement 2024;
20:1827-1838. [PMID:
38134231 PMCID:
PMC10984430 DOI:
10.1002/alz.13602]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Tau is a key pathology in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Here, we report our findings in tau positron emission tomography (PET) measurements from the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project.
METHOD
We compare flortaucipir PET measures from 104 former professional players (PRO), 58 former college football players (COL), and 56 same-age men without exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) or traumatic brain injury (unexposed [UE]); characterize their associations with RHI exposure; and compare players who did or did not meet diagnostic criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES).
RESULTS
Significantly elevated flortaucipir uptake was observed in former football players (PRO+COL) in prespecified regions (p < 0.05). Association between regional flortaucipir uptake and estimated cumulative head impact exposure was only observed in the superior frontal region in former players over 60 years old. Flortaucipir PET was not able to differentiate TES groups.
DISCUSSION
Additional studies are needed to further understand tau pathology in CTE and other individuals with a history of RHI.
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