Repeated head and brain injury? Researchers are looking for you!

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a brain disease. It is caused by repeated head and brain injury. Researchers at Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Amsterdam Universitair Medische Centra) are conducting research into this condition. They are looking for combat sport athletes between 45 and 75 years of age to take part.

CTE occurs in people who have sustained repeated impact to the head over a long period. Think of blows or strikes to the head from combat sports, American football or football (soccer).

People with the brain disease CTE may develop slowly increasing symptoms. Their memory may deteriorate, for example. Their mood may change quickly. Their behaviour may change. Sometimes movement becomes more difficult.

Unfortunately, CTE can currently only be established after death through brain tissue examination, not yet during a person's lifetime. With the NEwTON study, researchers want to examine people who may have CTE. In this way they can learn more about the symptoms and how the condition progresses. They are also investigating whether brain scans, blood or cerebrospinal fluid contain markers that can confirm the brain disease CTE.

Who are they looking for?

You are eligible to take part in the NEwTON study if you:

Are between 45 and 75 years of age

AND

Have in the past participated for more than 6 years in a contact sport involving repeated head impact, at a high amateur or professional level.

AND

Have experienced increasing changes for longer than 12 months in: memory, concentration, planning, language, orientation, verbal or physical aggression, a shorter temper.

If you meet these criteria and already have a neurological diagnosis (for example Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or vascular dementia), you can also take part.

The study

Participation means that extensive testing is carried out at the memory clinic of the UMC. Memory tests, questionnaires and an MRI scan of the brain. This takes 6 to 8 hours. After that, you will visit the memory clinic twice more over a period of two years to repeat the tests and questionnaires. With additional consent, the researchers will also take blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Interested?

To take part or for further information, you can contact the NEwTON team at: newton@amsterdamumc.nl

You can also get in touch if you are unsure whether you are eligible to take part. The researchers will take ample time to provide explanations and answer questions.