Podcast Summary: "Brain Doctor: These Popular Sports Are Causing Brain Damage & The NFL Is Keeping This Devastating Disease Quiet!"

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett features Dr. Ann McKee, a leading brain scientist and director of the world’s largest brain bank, in a revealing discussion about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its profound impact on athletes in contact sports. This episode delves into the science behind CTE, real-life case studies, the challenges in gaining recognition, and the urgent need for preventive measures within the sports industry.

1. Introduction to Dr. Ann McKee and CTE

Dr. Ann McKee begins by highlighting the alarming prevalence of brain damage in athletes, particularly from repetitive head impacts in contact sports. She shares her personal journey of discovering CTE and the resistance she faced, especially from influential organizations like the NFL.

Dr. Ann McKee [00:00]: "In a study of 152 young athletes, most of them had brain damage from small repetitive hits to the head. And it really destroys a person's life."

2. Understanding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Dr. McKee provides a comprehensive explanation of CTE, its causes, and its progression. She emphasizes that CTE is a neurodegenerative disease triggered by repeated head trauma, even subconcussive hits that athletes might not even notice.

Dr. Ann McKee [03:09]: "CTE stands for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It's a neurodegenerative disease of the brain... over time, decades, usually, it gradually robs you of your ability to think clearly or remember things, and ultimately you end up with dementia."

3. The Link Between Contact Sports and CTE

The discussion focuses on how sports like American football, soccer, ice hockey, rugby, boxing, and MMA contribute to the development of CTE. Dr. McKee explains the mechanics of how repetitive head impacts lead to the accumulation of tau proteins, which damage nerve cells and spread through the brain.

Dr. Ann McKee [04:36]: "Fighting, fighting in ice hockey, certainly boxing. So boxing, MMA. Yeah."

4. Case Studies Illustrating the Devastating Effects of CTE

Dr. McKee shares poignant case studies to illustrate the severe impact of CTE on individuals:

• Wyatt Bramwell [01:07]: An 18-year-old football player who filmed his farewell message before taking his own life, attributing his struggles to brain damage from football.

  Wyatt Bramwell [01:07]: "The voices and demons in my head just started to take over everything I wanted to do."

• Aaron Hernandez [43:24]: A 27-year-old NFL player whose brain revealed extensive CTE lesions, raising questions about the role of CTE in his criminal behavior and eventual suicide.

  Dr. Ann McKee [43:24]: "Some of his symptoms indicated frontal lobe damage."

• Owen Thomas [34:18]: A University of Pennsylvania football player whose suicide was linked to early-stage CTE.

5. Symptoms and Life Impact of CTE

Dr. McKee outlines the symptoms experienced by individuals with CTE, which often manifest as depression, irritability, impulsivity, aggressive behaviors, memory loss, and eventually dementia. These symptoms significantly diminish the quality of life and can lead to tragic outcomes like suicide.

Dr. Ann McKee [12:23]: "This is a disease that cuts them down, cuts down their potential early in life."

6. Challenges in Recognizing and Addressing CTE

Despite mounting evidence, Dr. McKee discusses the significant resistance and disbelief she encountered, particularly from the NFL. She recounts the NFL's dismissive response when she first presented her findings and the ongoing efforts to discredit her work.

Dr. Ann McKee [28:25]: "It fell on deaf ears. It was pretty humiliating."

Dr. Ann McKee [24:23]: "We have at least five professional soccer players, all of whom have had CTE."

7. The NFL's Response and Legal Implications

The conversation touches on the NFL's settlement in 2013, where the league agreed to a $765 million settlement to compensate retired players suffering from concussion-related brain injuries. However, Dr. McKee points out that the settlement does not cover CTE diagnosed after 2015, effectively limiting compensation for current and future cases.

Dr. Ann McKee [33:41]: "They do not compensate for CTE any longer. Anyone who's developed CTE has come into the brain bank, been diagnosed with CTE. That is not a reimbursable condition according to that settlement."

8. Preventive Measures and Recommendations

Dr. McKee advocates for significant changes in how contact sports are played and managed. She suggests:

• Reducing Hits to the Head: Implementing rules to minimize head impacts in practices and games.
• Delayed Full Contact: Encouraging athletes to start full contact later in their sports careers.
• Monitoring and Education: Utilizing technology like accelerometers to track head impacts and educating players, coaches, and parents about the risks.
• Promoting Safer Alternatives: Considering modifications in sports like soccer and football to reduce the necessity of heading the ball or tackling.

Dr. Ann McKee [45:03]: "You cut out the hits to the head, you cut out this disease. It's entirely preventable."

9. The Importance of Brain Donation and Awareness

Dr. McKee emphasizes the crucial role of brain donations in advancing CTE research. She urges listeners to consider donating brains posthumously to help scientists better understand and combat the disease.

Dr. Ann McKee [60:54]: "If someone were to very unfortunately die, of course, brain donation has been absolutely critical to our understanding these diseases... It's a legacy that will continue to go forward."

10. Conclusion and Call to Action

Dr. McKee concludes by urging everyone to prioritize brain health, recognize the signs of CTE, and support research efforts. She highlights the importance of collective action in making sports safer and preserving the lives and well-being of athletes.

Dr. Ann McKee [60:54]: "Pay attention to their own brain health, they can promote brain health... It’s a legacy that will continue to go forward."

Key Takeaways:

• CTE is a Preventable Disease: By reducing and managing head impacts in contact sports, the prevalence of CTE can be significantly decreased.

• Urgent Need for Industry Change: Sports organizations like the NFL must adopt stricter safety protocols and support research to protect athletes.

• Awareness and Education are Crucial: Educating athletes, coaches, parents, and the general public about the risks of repetitive head trauma is essential in combating CTE.

• Support for Affected Families: Understanding and diagnosing CTE can provide closure and healing for families affected by the disease.

Dr. Ann McKee’s insights shed light on the hidden dangers of contact sports and the pressing need for systemic changes to safeguard athletes' brain health. Her dedication to research and advocacy continues to drive awareness and inspire action against CTE.