Definition of Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): a degenerative disease of the brain (a form of brain damage) that occurs in athletes or others who have experienced repetitive concussions or other trauma to the brain.

Some of the most common symptoms and signs of CTE can include

• memory loss,
• behavioral difficulties like difficulty with impulse control,
• impaired judgment,
• aggression,
• balance problems,
• a slow onset of dementia, and
• depression.

Symptoms of CTE might be mistaken for symptoms due to the aging process or other conditions like Alzheimer's disease.