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Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) dementia

Key points

  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is linked to repeated head injuries, also described as sub-concussive events.

  • Cognitive impairment in someone with suspected CTE impacts their thinking, mood, and behaviour. It may interfere with everyday life.

  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a form of dementia that can only be definitively diagnosed after death.

  • While there is no cure, prevention can help people decrease their risk of developing CTE, and support strategies can minimise of the impact of this form of cognitive impairment.

About chronic traumatic encephalopathy

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a form of dementia believed to be caused by repeated head trauma over time.

These repeated injuries can result in progressive damage to brain tissue, leading to changes in thinking, memory, mood, and behaviour that interfere with daily life.

CTE can only be diagnosed with certainty after death, by physically examining the brain.

Before then, a medical specialist might diagnose you with suspected or probable CTE, based on your history, symptoms, and by excluding other conditions.

Multiple concussions increase your risk of CTE, but even repeated head impacts that don’t cause noticeable concussion symptoms can contribute to brain changes.

There is no known cure for CTE. However, early identification of symptoms that may relate to suspected CTE, symptom management, and access to therapeutic supports can help you live the best life you can.

Causes of CTE

Chronic encephalopathy dementia (CTE) dementia is caused by repeated or severe blows to your head.

CTE dementia has been identified in people who have:

  • participated in contact or collision sports (e.g. tackle football, rugby, boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, cycling, equestrian)
  • experienced assault or family violence
  • been exposed to explosions or blasts (e.g. military service)
  • experienced multiple falls resulting in head injury.

Most people will not develop CTE dementia from just one or two head injuries. It usually results from repeated trauma sustained over years.

Signs and symptoms of CTE

While CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue, there are some common symptoms that appear in people living with suspected CTE. Symptoms may appear gradually and worsen over time. These can include:

  • memory loss
  • trouble learning new things
  • trouble making decisions
  • trouble concentrating
  • trouble with language and conversation
  • sudden anger after small triggers
  • reduced social activity or isolation
  • anxiety or panic
  • depression
  • impulsiveness
  • loss of empathy
  • loss of motivation
  • disturbed sleep
  • confusion
  • agitation or aggression
  • loss of sense of direction
  • reduced driving ability.

If you have these symptoms, you might not be able to recognise them yourself. Often a family member or friend will notice them instead. If you or someone else notices these symptoms in you, talk to your doctor or medical specialist as soon as possible.

Diagnosing suspected CTE

Because CTE can only be diagnosed with certainty after death, there are no tests that can identify CTE in someone living.

However, a medical specialist might diagnose you with suspected or probable CTE based on your background, history of repeated head knocks and symptoms of cognitive impairment.

A comprehensive assessment may include:

  • a detailed medical and symptom history
  • a physical examination
  • brain imaging (e.g. MRI)
  • blood and urine tests
  • a psychiatric assessment
  • memory and cognitive testing.

If the medical specialist can rule out any other causes, and the clinical presentation is consistent, a specialist may diagnose suspected or probable CTE dementia.

Treatment and management of CTE symptoms

There are treatments and supports available to help manage symptoms of suspected CTE and help you live the best life you can.

Management might involve:

  • support from your GP and referral to a cognitive or dementia specialist
  • regular monitoring to adjust your treatment based on changing symptoms
  • psychological support (e.g. a counsellor or psychologist)
  • lifestyle adjustments like:
    • avoiding alcohol and smoking
    • staying physically active
    • maintaining social connections
    • engaging in meaningful and structured daily routines.

How Dementia Australia can help

Whatever your experience of CTE, we're here for you:

Dementia expert webinar: chronic traumatic encephalopathy, with Dr Rowena Mobbs

Source: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE dementia by Dr Rowena Mobbs (2021).

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Last updated
16 June 2025