CTE: The silent killer in contact sports | Emer MacSweeney | TEDxAthens
Brain expert Dr Emer MacSweeney, discusses the most feared risk for amateur and professional contact sports players across the globe, and why Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is emerging as a silent killer.
With a determination and passion to provide a solution for the unacceptable problem of dementia, Emer founded Re:Cognition Health in 2011.
With her medical knowledge and training in neurosciences, corporate experience, personal credibility, contacts and charisma Emer assembled a team of Brain and Mind Experts to create Re:Cognition Health; an internationally recognized expert provider of the best diagnosis, treatment and hope for people with memory and other cognitive symptoms.
Focusing, initially on the Global Pandemic, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and working closely with providers of sophisticated biomarkers and pharmaceutical sponsor’s R&D to provide new medications; Emer’s team have enabled thousands of individuals to gain early access to novel diagnostic tests and new mediations, designed to halt or slow progression of AD, through international clinical trials. This work, for which Emer was awarded an UK “EY Entrepreneur of the Year” award for Societal Impact in 2019 and multiple other awards, continues.
Emer and her team are also focusing, now, on the hugely under recognized complication of repetitive brain injury, from contact sports: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Emer’s Tedx talk addresses CTE: awareness, risks, pathology, new diagnostic tests and potential for treatment. Parallels with AD, may accelerate understanding and treatment of CTE. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I have a deep conflict inside me as I know I'm enjoying a game that will ruin some its players lives and I'm promoting a game that will be taken up by kids who may in the future develop severe health complications.
I know, I just dont allow my kids to take part
Even soccer can cause cte... don't know what sports kids can play these days
It's worrisome, who knows what's safe now, if in a few years it won't be.
seems to have become the lost story recently, and you know more has to be done.
I know everything she has said makes you feel like it's pretty bad for these athletes but I think you're making it deeper than it needs to be. If you can't watch the sport and enjoy it anymore just stop watching.
Zac Easter did not simply write a suicide note - he wrote an ENTIRE journal, numerous pages long, articulating his struggles and his knowledge that this was CTE. He wrote a whole book for the world to read.
damn, would be so tough living with that knowledge
I saw it, heartbreaking.
I know how sad is that.
It's amazing that it isn't more widely known
Much respect to him and what he's done to bring awareness to this
I will be thinking twice before signing my children up for these sorts of sports now.. I had no idea at all.
We just have to take more care of people and use the proper equipement
really changed the way I think about sports
I think that some of us are just overprotective of their children
@@riciphariss107lol found the jackass
watch the movie "concussion" with will smith
The part about kids who started playing Football before the age of 12 having decreased learning abilities really does not surprise me, didn't know about the critical brain development between those ages though.
We should look out more on our kids
I think it's concerning to hear about the potential impact of playing football at a young age on a child's brain development. It's important to consider all of the potential risks and benefits before making decisions that could impact a child's future.
Emer MacSweeney's talk on CTE was truly eye-opening. The issue of CTE in contact sports is so important and often overlooked.
Dr Emer MacSweeney is a true hero in the fight against brain diseases like Alzheimer's and CTE.
The recognition she received as 'Entrepreneur of the Year' is well deserved for the impact she's made in the medical field.
People often think that only football players are at risk for CTE, but as a competitive cheerleader, I've seen the effects firsthand. The constant tumbling and stunts put a lot of strain on your head and neck, and can lead to serious brain injuries. It's time for more awareness and action to be taken to prevent CTE in all sports.
Umm... Cheerleaders get CTE? I find that as an insult to someone with a TBI Like me..
@@BTBC9870u need to get over yourself, anyone can get it
@@BTBC9870 Why do you find it insulting? Just because it's happening to someone else doesn't diminish what's happening to you
@@BTBC9870 Yes, cheerleaders can get all kinds of brain injuries. Some of the stunts we do are pretty dangerous.
very true...but I don't see many cheerleaders bouncing their heads off the ground...@@erika-cheung
I used to think I was missing out when my parents stopped me from playing football but this talk has actually really changed my perspective and I don't think I'll let me kids play either.
Yes, it is eye-opening
Don't...in my opinion, no.
what ?? it is football , safe sport , not boxing , many football players are healthy and live long life
@@animegreat429you are wrong and have obviously not done your research
@@animegreat429there’s incidents that don’t reach the media. I’ve met one high school player who almost got paralyzed in a game. Another college player who was warned he would be paralyzed if he kept playing. Not to mention the millions who are left with permanent injuries because of the sport. I’m not advocating a crusade of banning, but if I ever had kids they will not be allowed to participate in this sport, and it was my favorite sport to play growing up
This is a really important part of sports that doesn't get nearly enough attention. It's not just CTE, athletes put themselves at risk of so many injuries and are expected to just play through them even if they're destroying their bodies and causing long term damage in the process
Its all about money
well considering the amount they earn (most athletes make a lot of money) it is only normal that they are treated that way, imo
the sports industry is, imo, getting the wrong picture when it comes to athletes
I feel like most stuff does not get attention when it comes to sports
There is no cure for it and the damage is so far-reaching that it can even change someone's personality, impacting parts of the brain that are responsible for memory and emotions
My dad wouldn't let me become a prize fighter because he said eventually they became "punch drunk" and incoherent. I didn't realize what "punch drunk" actually meant but I'm so grateful he stopped me, even though at the time I felt very differently.
Prize fighter? What’r ya 93? 😀
Losing my loved one to CTE was devastating. I never knew how dangerous the sport he loved so much could be. It's important to raise awareness about CTE and take steps to prevent it in the future."
As a parent the physical risks associated with contact sports were already worrying, but knowing this there is no way I'm letting my children play now.
me too
Hopefully the more people become aware of this the more pressure there will be to change rules and techniques around tackling etc,
This was increasingly hard to listen to as I didn't want to think about all the implications that has on consuming sports like football and boxing
It's interesting because you know they can get hurt in others way too, but there's something about brain injuries and behavioral issues that just hit a bit differently
It's a difficult topic, but so important for the future of sports.
I had no idea CTE was this serious. Thanks for the info.
As a parent, this really makes me think twice about letting my kids play contact sports.
Honestly, it's unsettling. Makes you question the ethics of watching these sports.
Zac's decision to shoot himself in the chest so his brain would be intact stopped me cold. How heroic.
It's really sad how prevalent this condition is, especially because when it's all said and done very few contact athletes go on to do much else in the industry... like they can't all be coaches and commentators. I imagine quite a few fall between the cracks and aren't left with much at all
Well, it's really sensitive topic for the sport lovers, but nothing to do about it...
Well said, Trevor!
experts note that medical records can be incomplete, and people don't always seek treatment for disorders such as depression and drug use.
The only way to prevent CTE is to avoid repetitive head injuries. Although many head injuries are difficult to predict or avoid, there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
Managing emotion, anxiety, and stress is an important and learned skill. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or counting to 10 to help ensure your emotions don’t get the best of you.
The loss of my friend to CTE was tragic and it opened my eyes to the dangers of contact sports. I wish I had known more about CTE before it was too late. It's important to educate ourselves and take action to prevent further loss of life to this devastating disease.
how old was he?
I never thought that playing soccer could lead to a brain injury like CTE, but after years of heading the ball, I started to experience memory loss and confusion. It's scary to think that a sport I love could have such a detrimental effect on my health.
Although soccer's contribution to CTE is still being investigated, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with repeated head impacts. The act of heading the ball can result in subconcussive impacts, which, over time, may increase the risk of developing CTE. To mitigate this risk, it's important to prioritize player safety, implement guidelines for safe heading, and promote concussion awareness and management within the soccer community.
The potential link between soccer and CTE raises important questions about player safety. While more research is needed, the repetitive heading of the ball can result in subconcussive impacts that may contribute to long-term brain damage. It's crucial for soccer associations to prioritize player welfare, enhance protective measures, and provide education on safe playing techniques and concussion management.
Soccer's association with CTE is a matter of concern, especially considering the repetitive nature of heading the ball. While the overall risk may be lower compared to sports with more frequent high-impact collisions, it's important to implement preventive measures and promote player safety. This includes educating players, coaches, and parents about the potential risks, enforcing strict return-to-play protocols, and investing in research to better understand the long-term consequences.
Soccer's potential contribution to CTE highlights the need for ongoing research and preventive measures. While the overall risk may be lower compared to sports with more frequent and forceful head impacts, the cumulative effect of heading the ball should not be underestimated. It's crucial to prioritize player safety, provide education on concussion management, and ensure proper medical care for head injuries.
Given the repetitive nature of heading the ball, soccer players may be at risk of developing CTE. Although the risk may vary depending on factors such as playing style and individual susceptibility, it's important to recognize the potential for cumulative brain trauma. Implementing guidelines for safe heading techniques and monitoring players for signs of head injury are essential steps in minimizing the risk.
While it's important to address CTE risks in professional sports, we shouldn't overlook the impact on amateur athletes, especially children. Parents and coaches need more awareness and education to make informed decisions about young athletes' participation in contact sports and their brain safety.
This makes a lot of sense to me, I always thought our brains and skulls were a lot more fragile than what we're initially taught
we should treat our skulls as gently as we do a baby's throughout our whole lives
Can we pay more attention to what she says about the potential impact of brain injuries on young people? Because personally I think it raises some pretty huge ethical questions!! Schools and sport organizations should really be informing parents about this stuff so they can consider it more carefully before letting their kids play.
My heart goes out to all the people suffering from CTE, to think something that was once a source of happiness and purpose could also be the cause of something like this is really heart breaking
my thoughts exactly!
The speaker's work is game-changing for athletes worldwide.
Not just contact sports, we are seeing big numbers of CTE in collision sports. Knocks to the head are a lot more damaging than we thought.
Wow I was not prepared for this talk. 6:35 actually made me teary and I'm surprised I never heard about Zac Easter before this. What an incredible and tragic sacrifice
Such an incredible talk Emer, I can't imagine what an up-hill battle it must be to spread this kind of information.
Zac's story was heart breaking. Thanks for shining a spotlight on him.
I've been hearing about these more often lately but it's disappointing to hear these injuries still aren't getting the attention they deserve.
Watched, good share, you knew THIS WOULD GET ME!
Unfortunately, there's just such a huge lack of awareness and its incredibly important we work together to increase this.
and there will be more cases before anything real is done.
its at crisis point now
yes, heard another in rugby
Definitely raising very valid concerns about CTE in contact sports, it's crucial to remember that millions of athletes participate in these sports without developing dementia. While the risks need to be acknowledged, it's equally important to highlight that not everyone will experience these severe consequences.
Very good point but at the same time you it’s important to understand that getting hit in the head is obviously going to have long term consequences
exactly, it needs to be approached rationally and giving all these terrible examples is, while important, kind of misrepresenting how few people experience symptoms like this
Hello Thank you to all of you for posting such videos, they are very helpful 😊
I'm pretty thankful that people like Emer are out here wanting to teach the world about CTE. So much of this information I wasn't ever aware of
Wow, what an inspiring human! Such dedication to researching and understanding CTE is commendable and admirable and the fact her and her team have made significant progress in diagnosing brain injuries and exploring potential treatments gives hope to those affected, which is so incredible! Thank you Dr. Emer
Your TEDx talk on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy was a testament to the power of education and awareness. It empowered the audience to become advocates for head injury prevention and support for affected individuals.
Thank you for using your platform to advocate for increased research funding for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. Your TEDx talk served as a powerful catalyst for change in addressing this pressing issue.
Your TEDx talk on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy provided valuable insights into the long-term consequences of head injuries, highlighting the need for early intervention and evidence-based treatment options.
I want to express my gratitude for your TEDx talk on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. It elevated the conversation and inspired individuals to take action to protect themselves and others from head injuries.
Your TEDx talk on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy was a powerful testament to the resilience of those living with the condition. It highlighted the importance of support networks and access to quality care.
I ride and work with horses and have had many hits to head and severe concussions double bangs whilst on the ground handling horses was unconscious for 5 days and woke with amnesia for 3weeks And feel not far from the tremor stage I’m 49yrs and my memory getting worse my depression worthlessness with I don’t want to be here thoughts My kids and parents keeping me going as I care for them in their 80’s. But mood swings and immobilising headaches continuous I have lost loads of long term memory from Coma when 16yrs old But short term memory getting worse I dis-associate a lot too I used to be out going confident bubbly But I’ve changed completely No one understands the changes I’m going through Concentrating focusing is a struggle too I felt something was not.right with my brain before I knew a bout CTE But it’s a struggle to get help with Drs and Neurologist to listen I e been banging my head against a wall Not literally but I feel it did the pain would take away the internal head pain Waiting for referral to Kings Collage Hospital I won’t remember I’ve got time the appointment comes through 😁
Thank you for sharing your experience and I am sorry to hear this, it is important to seek medical help, as soon as possible, to get a diagnosis for your current symptoms. Wishing you all the best.
@@emermacsweeney6251 Thank you for reply I’ve joined your clinic trials But at present you have to be over 50yrs I’m on your clinics record Regards Good luck with research
@@lisaobrien5188 Did you suffer a brain trauma at age 16 and still suffer the symptoms to this day?
Great talk Dr Emer!💯more athletes need to hear this!
This makes so much sense! Your brain is precious! Of course there's going to be a huge toll if you're knocking it around all the time
Super interesting presentation! Amazing work revolutionising health and sport - so important for us to get right
Thanks - and yes we have to get this right, as soon as possible
This is part of why I will never let my boys play physical sports. It's almost barbaric
If you ask me I would ban sports such as boxing and mma
there can be a lot of after effect later on in their life
Will share this around
finally someone that thinks properly
Physical sports are fine. It's all contact sports that should be banned.
Thanks for this easy to digest talk packed with important information.
Thank you for bringing this awareness Emer
Thank you for the presentation! I´m surprised that this video hasn´t received more attention. I´ve just started practicing Muay Thai and am concerned about possible brain damage. This makes me question for how long I really want to do sparring or fights.
Take up tennis instead. It burns calories, takes a lot of skill, and you can play way beyond your youth. Golf is good also. I was a soccer player. Good enough to play d1 college in USA. I also did martial arts but never any head blows. I am worried about the years of soccer. I played into my early 30s then took up tennis and golf. I believe a lot of people are in denial about CTE. There is still a lot we do not know - why some get it and some who had the exact same experiences do not. I am wondering why I never got Covid while a lot of people close to me in the same house did. Certain sports can not be fixed. Soccer could and should eliminate heading. No way to fix football. Parents who let their kids play football are nuts. IT is the most popular sport in the USA but it needs to not be so popular in the future. Very few, next to none, kids in the suburbs box because they know it causes brain damage. Now we know football and soccer do also.
Keep doing Muay Thai. But spar lightly and don't go super hard. Also let your brain take some time to heal
I know firsthand the toll that concussions can take on your body and mind. I've seen friends and teammates struggle with the symptoms of CTE, and it's heartbreaking. We need to take this issue seriously and do everything we can to protect athletes at all levels.
Please could you explain what you saw? I’m interested
@@creativeape8994 .
What an eye opening talk... I don't have kids but if I did I would definitely be re-thinking allowing them to play sports.
I love that someone is out here spreading this awareness, the more people that know the more likely it is something will actually change.
I'm a former athlete and honestly, pretty alarmed to learn about the risks associated with contact sports.
Watching my loved one suffer from the effects of CTE has been incredibly difficult. They used to be outgoing and energetic, but now they struggle with memory loss and mood swings. It's painful to see them struggle, and I wish there were more resources available to help them
What happened with them?
who is your loved one? your father
Emer's talk really highlights the need for transparent and accurate reporting of brain injuries in sports.
The parallels drawn between Alzheimer's and CTE could really accelerate our approach to finding effective treatments. Great to see someone leading the charge on this.
I always assumed that concussions were just a minor injury that you could walk off. It's alarming to learn about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma
Your comment sheds light on the common misconception surrounding concussions
I can understand why you would assume that concussions are minor injuries. However, the emerging research on the long-term effects of repeated head trauma has transformed our understanding. It's crucial that we educate ourselves and others to ensure the well-being of athletes and individuals at risk.
Your comment reflects the common misconception about concussions, but it's encouraging to see that you're open to learning about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. This knowledge empowers us to prioritize safety and advocate for better preventive measures.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. The misconception about concussions being minor injuries is pervasive, but the growing understanding of the long-term effects highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing head injuries appropriately.
I used to think the same way about concussions until I learned about the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. It's a significant issue that requires our attention and action. Raising awareness and challenging these misconceptions is a step in the right direction.
I remember getting an autograph from a football player and he spelt my name wrong. I have a very easy to spell name that is also a common word, his girlfriend had to correct him on it and I thought some pretty unkind things towards him. Now that I know this is a thing I feel really bad for him.
some friends of mine were discussing CTEs in sports the other day and I was happy I'd seen this talk and understood just how critical this issue is.
Was very glad to hear some of the solutions that are being developed. Sport plays a really important role in a lot of different ways
extremely interesting, would love to see how and if cte affects people raised in physically abusive households
This is an incredibly important issue and yes there is there is evidence of CTE affecting those subjected to repetitive head trauma, due to physical abuse.
@@emermacsweeney6251 how can someone determine if they have more genetic predisposition to cte? I ask bcuz i do martial arts and don’t want to continue if it means cte at the end
Anything that caused repetitive concussions can cause it
I never realized how serious CTE was until I saw a documentary about it. It's upsetting to think that so many people are suffering because of a lack of awareness and proper precautions.
It is upsetting but hopefully as we move forward and more knowledge around it circulates things will get better
What was the documentary?
Thank you Emer, as a parent this talk has been invaluable for me to help make an informed decision about what sports I'll let my kids play.
Emer does a really great job of highlighting the dangers of CTE and how it can lead to severe dementia.
I can't believe how long we've been encouraging contact sports without this knowledge!
something to reconsider for sure...
I remember the Will Smith movie well, cause my dad was a retired boxer, the last 15 years of his life were just awful, the man I knew left long before his body did!
I'm so sorry to hear this and its so important awareness of dementia in contact sports is one everyone's agenda
how old was he when he died?
She's so right about how sport challenges and influences us culturally, that's why it's so important to be having conversations about the risks - especially when they're this high.
The stories about Mike Webster and Zac Easter really puts a human face on the CTE discussion. It's one thing to talk about it clinically, but hearing how it affects individuals and their families is a powerful reminder of why this research is so important.
Maybe the nerdy computer geeks have it right after all.
Great work, needed work, now lets get serious about prevention!
I'm glad there are some potential solutions for this issue, I hope we can see them implemented soon.
I really admire the fact that she addresses the complexity of CTE and how finding solutions is not going to be simple. The fact that sport - particularly the NFL and UFC - has become such an institution means they aren't just sports, they're entertainment and also businesses. Those profiting will probably be reluctant to make drastic changes.
This is being shared as it's so important.
Thank you for this lecture!
It's refreshing to see the focus on brain protection and diagnosis. The Re:Cognition Health and King's College London's work on diagnosing CTE in life is a significant step forward.
Thank you for this. I'm relieved to see this topic addressed using up-to-date research. My fellow kickbox trainees resist much of this.. I will share this
This is so heart-breaking.
This is absolutely shocking and I'm sharing it with every mother I know.
In college I chose to play field hockey and more gentle contact sports. I'm so grateful I did after listening to this talk.
The talk's emphasis on not just concussions but sub-concussions is crucial. Understanding the difference is the first step toward effective prevention and protection.
wow, this is very eye opening...awful to hear about all these injuries
Great talk excellent presentation and very important topic..well done
This has really made me reconsider just how serious all of this stuff is. I think as someone who plays football you always know there are risks to your body but you just push those thoughts out of your mind.
Emer's talk sheds much-needed light on the serious issue of CTE in contact sports. Her expertise and dedication to understanding and addressing this problem are commendable. It's essential that we listen to experts like her and take action to protect athletes from the risks associated with repetitive brain injuries.
What’s your name, girl? What’s your sign?
What a wake-up call for the sports community and beyond!
I am impressed they came up with a test for this!!!
Great presentation. Thankyou.
This is amazing that live tests are available now..
Kudos to Re:Cognition Health for taking steps toward potential treatments for CTE. The collaboration between academia and the medical field is crucial for progress.
Really well explained Dr. Thanks
Thank you for bringing awareness to this less than glamorous consequence to playing national level football.
It's really interesting to come across stuff like this that acknowledges the risks associated with sports that you wouldn't normally be aware of... I did ballet from a super young age all the way into my early 20's and even the impact from repeated jumps and lifts can affect your brain, something I had no idea of. So I think all athletes, regardless of their sport, need to understand there are risks we aren't told about and you really have to take it upon yourself to learn and protect yourself from all the risks
do you have any damage?
I understand the importance of teaching proper techniques to my athletes to prevent injuries and this talk really underscores the need for coaches to emphasize safety during practices and games.
the work needs to come from all sides, I think
The information about diagnosing CTE in life using sophisticated MRI and DTI sequences is groundbreaking. Early diagnosis opens the door to potential treatments.
Wow! Amazing work!
The comparison of the force required for a concussion versus a sub-concussion is enlightening. We must prioritize understanding and addressing the impact of sub-concussions.
Growing up my dad played rugby at a club level for as long as I could remember and this talk has made a lot of sense of some of his behavior...
I get that...
It's incredible how much effort she's putting into raising awareness and finding solutions for this
💯💯💯💯
Having played for years, this is both alarming and validating. We must prioritize diagnosis and treatment to support retired athletes dealing with the consequences of their passion
What an informative video. I’ve been interested in CTE since watching the movie “Concussion “. Plus, I met Junior Seau at his restaurant in Mission Valley, San Diego on several occasions. He was such a cool dude. We were all so shocked and saddened when he killed himself. We loved our Chargers and especially Junior. 😢. I posted this on my Facebook page hoping to dissuade my friends from allowing their kids and grandkids from playing football at least until after age 12, as this doctor recommended.
Brilliant talk.
well-deserved that Emer was awarded the UK "EY Entrepreneur of the Year" award for Societal Impact in 2019 and multiple other awards for her work.
very impressive that Re:Cognition Health has been recognized internationally as an expert provider of diagnosis and treatment for memory and cognitive symptoms.
Seeing how far we've come in understanding CTE gives me hope for future athletes!
For sure, hopefully there's a bit of respite for those currently in the game too.
Her approach combining medical expertise and solutions gives hope for future athletes.
Yeah sure for future athletes but what about current athletes?
CTE awareness is critical. Glad this talk is spreading the word!
yup, we have to be aware of something in order to do anything about it
Her dedication to understanding and treating CTE is truly inspiring. It's shocking to think about the number of athletes affected by this condition and not even know it. Glad we're moving towards better diagnosis and treatments.
Yeah absolutely. I can't help but wonder how many had this and just swept it under the rug
Definitely, such a noble thing to devote your time/career to
This needs to be seen by every sports club around the world...
agreed! though I'm sure they're quite aware
That picture of Zac Easter reminds me of so many boys I went to grade school with and just being that age in general. Such a heavy thing for someone that young to realize and go through.
The call for changes in rules and style of play is necessary, even if controversial. Balancing player safety with the essence of the game is a challenging but essential task.
Teaching those within the sporting sphere about the effects and consequences of head injuries will eliminate the misconceptions of concussions and continue to shift the narrative.
Wow, that would explain so many behavioral issues we passed off as part of the "jock" mentality.