Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is one of the most devastating consequences of playing contact sports, especially boxing. As a neuroscientist, I have observed with growing concern the impact of this condition on athletes who have been exposed to repetitive head injuries for years. When subjected to continuous blows, the human brain suffers damage that goes far beyond temporary concussions. The effects, although they can take decades to manifest, compromise not only cognitive functions, but also personality, behavior and, ultimately, the individual’s identity.
What makes CTE such a complex condition is the diversity of brain regions affected. Cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, which innervate the cortex, become progressively dysfunctional due to the deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau, a protein that, in its normal form, plays a key role in microtubule stability. This accumulation of abnormal tau leads to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles that disrupt communication between neurons and impair the functioning of critical regions, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are essential for memory and behavior.
The severity of the situation extends to the cellular and molecular level, where alterations in the metabolism of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine are observed. These changes result from genetic and epigenetic dysfunctions, such as reduced expression of the β2 nicotinic receptor and decreased levels of the enzymes catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and dopa decarboxylase (DDC), which are crucial for dopaminergic regulation. The presence of the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been identified as an aggravating factor, increasing the risk of developing CTE in individuals who have suffered repeated trauma.
Professional boxers are undoubtedly one of the most affected groups, which raises ethical questions about the practice of this sport in its current form. Should we allow human beings to subject their brains to a slow and silent destruction, culminating in severe dementia? Science has already revealed much about CTE, but we continue to fail to provide adequate protection to athletes at risk. The call for change in boxing is urgent. Introducing preventative measures, such as improving protective equipment and reviewing the rules of the sport, could at least mitigate the long-term impacts of these devastating injuries.
In short, CTE is more than just a consequence of repeated injuries; it is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the very essence of the human mind. As a neuroscientist and pro-life advocate, I believe it is our duty to act to ensure that the next generation of athletes does not pay the same price as today’s ring heroes. Science is here to warn, and it is up to society to listen and respond.
(Mufson et al., 2018), (Yang et al., 2020), (Jordan et al., 1997).
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.