Research has shown that athletes such as football players, rugby players and fighters such as boxers have a significantly higher risk of developing CTE than the general population.
CTE can only be diagnosed after death. A disease caused by repeated blows to the head has been found in the brains of dozens of former National Football League (NFL) players.
In the first stage of the disease, some people also experience problems with short-term memory, depression, aggressive tendencies and problems with executive functions, according to the nonprofit group CTE Society.
In later stages, these problems become stronger and others appear, such as mood swings and suicidal thoughts. In the final stage, a person may experience severe cognitive problems and memory loss, as well as dementia, according to the CTE Society.
The Boston University CTE Center has stated that the cause of suicide is complex and a postmortem diagnosis of CTE is not a risk factor for suicide.
But CTE researchers said the case showed not enough has been done to reduce the risk of the disease among athletes.
“Mr. Niland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE,” said Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation. “We have no reason to believe that the current generation is at lower risk of CTE than previous generations.”