Question

There seems to be no biomarkers to identify for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Following autopsy, what brain anatomical aberrations will one look for to conclude that the individual has suffered CTE?

Answer 1

Answer: Abnormal form of p-tau

Explanation: CTE is caused by repeated blows to the head. A conclusive diagnosis of CTE can only be made after death, when an autopsy ideally can be carried out to see if the brain changes associated with CTE are present.

CTE is a tauopathy characterized by tangles of an abnormal form of the protein tau (hyperphosphorytated tau) such as neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytes tangles in the brain.

These tangles appear around small blood vessels of the cortex and beta-amyloid plaques are only present in certain circumstances which are associated with age.