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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 12, 2026Hillsborough

National Institutes of Health funds $15 million study to diagnose CTE in living patients

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $15 million in 2025 to fund a multi-site research study aimed at developing a method to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living individuals. Researchers are currently seeking volunteers, including former college and professional football players, to undergo brain scans and cognitive testing to help distinguish CTE from Alzheimer's disease.

medical researchbrain healthsports safetyCTEAlzheimer's disease
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

This research aims to bridge the diagnostic gap for CTE, a degenerative brain disease currently only detectable after death, which affects former athletes and military personnel.

Key Facts

  • The National Institutes of Health awarded $15 million in 2025 to fund research into diagnosing CTE in living patients.
  • CTE is currently only diagnosable after death.
  • The study is being conducted at sites in Boston, California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
  • Researchers are seeking two groups: former college/professional football players and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who have no history of head impacts.
  • The study involves MRI scans, PET scans, blood samples, and cognitive testing.
  • CTE symptoms can include memory loss, depression, and violent mood swings, which often mimic Alzheimer's disease.
  • Participants are encouraged to commit to donating their brains for research after death.
  • The study aims to identify specific protein markers that distinguish CTE from Alzheimer's disease.

Who's Mentioned

personBryan Savage“Former college linebacker participating in the study.”personMatt Hasselbeck“Former NFL quarterback participating in the CTE study.”personNicholas Ashton“Principal investigator at the Phoenix research site.”organizationBoston University CTE Center“Lead research institution for the study.”personMichael Alosco“Co-director of clinical research at the Boston University CTE Center and princip”organizationNational Institutes of Health“Sponsor of the $15 million research study.”