Can You Test for CTE While Alive? Yes, and Here’s How
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting athletes and military personnel who have sustained repeated blows to the head. The condition has been associated with a host of cognitive and behavioral issues, including depression, anxiety, and memory loss.
Currently, the only definitive way to diagnose CTE is through a post-mortem brain examination. But recent research in the field of neuroimaging has suggested that it may be possible to detect the disease in living individuals. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods being used to test for CTE while alive.
What is CTE?
CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that is thought to be caused by repetitive head trauma. The condition can take years to develop and is characterized by the buildup of a protein called tau, which can spread throughout the brain and cause damage to brain cells.
CTE has been associated with a range of cognitive and behavioral problems, including memory loss, confusion, depression, and aggression. There is currently no cure for CTE, and treatment options are limited.
The Challenges of Diagnosing CTE
Diagnosing CTE is challenging due to the fact that the symptoms of the disease often overlap with those of other neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
In addition, CTE can take years or even decades to develop, making it difficult to diagnose in living individuals. As a result, researchers have been working to develop new methods to detect the disease in its early stages.
Neuroimaging Techniques for CTE Detection
There are several neuroimaging techniques that are being used to detect CTE in living individuals. These techniques include:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. Recent MRI studies have shown that CTE may produce specific changes in the brain’s white matter, which can be detected using certain imaging sequences.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET imaging uses a radioactive tracer to visualize metabolic activity in the brain. Recent PET studies have shown that CTE may produce specific changes in the brain’s glucose metabolism, which can be detected using certain tracers.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
DTI is a specialized form of MRI that is used to visualize the structural connectivity of the brain’s white matter. Recent DTI studies have shown that CTE may produce specific abnormalities in the brain’s white matter, which can be detected using certain imaging sequences.
Challenges with Neuroimaging Techniques
Despite the promising results of neuroimaging studies, there are still several challenges associated with using these techniques to diagnose CTE. Some of these challenges include:
– Lack of standardization: There is currently no standardized protocol for using neuroimaging techniques to diagnose CTE, which can make it difficult to compare results across studies.
– False positives: Neuroimaging techniques are not always accurate, and there is a risk of detecting false positives or misinterpreting the results.
– Limited access: Neuroimaging techniques can be expensive and may not be widely available, particularly in less developed regions.
Biomarkers for CTE Detection
Another area of research for CTE detection involves the identification of biomarkers – molecules in the body that can indicate the presence of disease. Some potential biomarkers for CTE include:
– Tau protein: As mentioned earlier, CTE is characterized by the buildup of tau protein in the brain. Recent studies have suggested that tau levels in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be able to indicate the presence of CTE.
– Neurofilament light chain (NfL): NfL is a protein that is released into the CSF and blood when nerve cells are damaged. Recent studies have suggested that NfL levels may be elevated in individuals with CTE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the diagnosis of CTE remains a challenge, there are several promising methods being developed to detect the disease in living individuals. Neuroimaging techniques such as MRI, PET, and DTI, as well as biomarker studies using tau and NfL, are all currently being explored as potential diagnostic tools for CTE.
References
– Gardner, R. C., & Yaffe, K. (2015). Epidemiology of mild traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. Molecular and cellular neurosciences, 66, 75-80.
– McKee, A. C., & Robinson, M. E. (2014). Military-related traumatic brain injury and neurodegeneration. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 10(3), S242-S253.
– Stern, R. A., Tripodis, Y., Baugh, C. M., Fritts, N. G., Martin, B. M., Chaisson, C., … & McClean, M. D. (2013). Preliminary study of plasma exosomal tau as a potential biomarker for chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 34(4), 887-896.
Most Common Questions about the Topic
- What are the symptoms of CTE?
- The symptoms of CTE can include memory loss, confusion, depression, and aggression.
- How is CTE diagnosed?
- The only definitive way to diagnose CTE is through a post-mortem brain examination, though neuroimaging and biomarker studies are currently being explored as potential diagnostic tools for living individuals.
- What is tau protein?
- Tau protein is a protein that stabilizes microtubules in the brain. In individuals with CTE, tau protein can accumulate in the brain and form clumps, which can damage brain cells.
- What is DTI imaging?
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a specialized form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that is used to visualize the structural connectivity of the brain’s white matter.
- Is there a cure for CTE?
- There is currently no cure for CTE, and treatment options are limited.