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Story summary
- A NIH-funded study shows that young athletes experience significant brain changes from repeated head impacts years before CTE symptoms emerge.
- Researchers observed a 56% loss of specific neurons in athletes under 51, despite no tau protein buildup.
- Increased microglial activation correlated with prolonged exposure to contact sports.
- The study suggests early cellular damage, indicating potential for earlier CTE diagnosis and treatment.
- Findings stress the need for better protective measures in contact sports to reduce long-term brain injury risks.
