A world-first study led by University of Auckland neuroscientists has shed new light on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease linked to repeated head impacts in contact sports like rugby.

The research examined brain tissue from former athletes, primarily rugby players, revealing key insights into how the brain responds to ongoing trauma.

Dr Helen Murray, senior author and neuroscientist at the Centre for Brain Research, said the study offers hope for better understanding the disease and developing future treatments.

“This research brings us closer to diagnosing CTE in living people,” Murray said.

CTE, often associated with sports involving repeated head knocks, is a neurodegenerative disease that currently can only be confirmed after death.

It is marked by the buildup of tau proteins, which form tangles and impair normal brain function.

These tau tangles are also linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Here on the Coast, many families have a deep connection to rugby, whether it’s Saturday mornings at the rugby match or watching the big games at home.

News like this resonates with Coasties who’ve grown up loving the game but are becoming more aware of its long-term health impacts.

What makes this discovery especially significant is the role of astrocytes—support cells in the brain.

Researchers found these cells appeared to respond to leaky blood vessels in the brains of CTE sufferers, highlighting a consistent pattern of inflammation across all cases studied.

“Many astrocytes seem to be trying to protect the brain from further damage,” Dr Murray explained.

“This discovery points to inflammation and vascular health as promising areas for treatment.”

The team hopes that advancements in MRI technology could lead to diagnosing CTE in living people by detecting these vascular changes.

For now, this research offers hope—not just for professional athletes, but for anyone concerned about the long-term effects of repeated head injuries.

Got a local story?

We’d love to hear it! Send your tips to [email protected]