Brain Scans Reveal Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Former NFL Athletes

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine using brain scans of ex-NFL athletes has revealed startling insights into the long-term impacts of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), such as concussions.

The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open, focused on the levels of a repair protein called 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), commonly associated with brain injury and repair.

Key Findings of the Study

• Persisting High Levels of TSPO: Researchers found elevated levels of TSPO in the brains of former NFL athletes, indicating that brain injury and repair processes continue years after the athletes have stopped playing collision sports. This contradicts the previously held belief that the brain completely recovers shortly after a TBI.
• Comparison with Non-Collision Athletes: The study involved analyzing MRI and PET scans of 27 former NFL players and comparing them with scans from 27 non-collision sports athletes, specifically swimmers. This comparison highlighted the stark difference in the impacts of repeated brain injuries between the two groups.
• Cognitive Impairments Correlated with TSPO Levels: The research revealed that former NFL players performed worse in learning and memory tests than their non-collision athlete counterparts. This cognitive decline was directly associated with higher levels of TSPO, especially in brain areas related to memory and attention.

Implications of the Research

The study, led by Jennifer Coughlin, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, sheds light on the long-term consequences of repeated brain injuries.

These findings are significant not only for collision sport athletes but also for other populations at risk of mild TBIs, such as military personnel and children who exhibit repetitive head-banging behaviors.

Future Directions and Caution

• Continued Research on TSPO: While TSPO is linked to brain repair, the researchers emphasize caution in immediately resorting to drug interventions. The focus is on continuing to monitor TSPO levels to understand the resolution of brain injuries over time.
• Personalized Treatment Approaches: The research team plans to follow the study's population of former NFL athletes to track changes in TSPO levels. This will aid in developing personalized guidelines for rest and recovery post-injuries and inform potential treatments like immunomodulating medications.
• Broader Impact on Collision Sports: This research adds to the growing evidence of the long-term effects of repeated head trauma in collision sports like football, soccer, and boxing. It raises concerns about the potential link between these sports and chronic cognitive disorders, including dementia.

Conclusion

The study marks a significant step forward in understanding the prolonged effects of TBIs in athletes. It underscores the necessity for further research and the development of targeted treatments to mitigate the long-term impacts of brain injuries.

As the scientific community delves deeper into the nuances of brain health post-TBIs, it becomes imperative to reevaluate safety protocols in sports and other high-risk activities.