Brain scans of those with multiple concussion history key to untangling disease risk

Are repeated blows to the head linked to brain diseases? An Australian-first study will study athletes and war veterans to examine the impact of frequent knocks.

An Australian-first study aims to find out whether ­repeated blows to the head are linked to controversial ­degenerative brain diseases, by mapping the brains of retired athletes and war veterans.

The $1 million study is working to develop a world-first test that can diagnose ­concussion-related disease in living people, by using new technology to more sensitively measure the unique pattern of toxic proteins in the brain.

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Recruitment for Austin Health’s study has been ­challenging, given the findings — either way — could have ­serious ramifications for large sporting bodies like the AFL, and the litigation prospects of former players. Melbourne ­researchers want middle-aged former athletes from any code to participate in their independent study.

Lead researcher, Professor Christopher Rowe, said CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) was a controversial condition, as it was not known how common it was and who was at risk.

The neurodegenerative disease is associated with personality changes and memory problems, but a definitive diagnosis can only be made by analysing a brain post-mortem.

The brains of retired athletes will be mapped.

But now Prof Rowe is using a new radioactive chemical injected into patients going into the brain scan to seek out abnormal clumps of the protein tau, which spread and kill brain cells. His is just the second ­laboratory in the world to use this tau PET scan.

“When you look at the brain under the microscope, the pattern is quite different in this CTE condition, to what you see in Alzheimer’s disease,” Prof Rowe said. “We now have a brain scan which can show us these tau clumps. The first step now is to see if the scan is sensitive enough to pick up the condition.”

Lead researcher Professor Christopher Rowe. Picture: Adam Elwood

The National Health and Medical Research Council-funded study will scan the brains of 75 former athletes and war veterans, aged 40 to 80, who have had concussions. Participants in their 50s with CTE-like symptoms are especially needed to take part.

Profes­sional Boxing and Combat Sports Victoria chair Simone Bailey said former fighters were signing up for the study. “Research is important so you can make informed ­decisions about whether you want to take part based on the risks, and we can find ways to make the sport safer,” she said.

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