March 3, 2026Open Access

CTE neuropathology alone is associated with dementia and cognitive symptoms

Key Points

Dementia is associated with higher stages of CTE, indicating significant cognitive risk.
Informant-reported cognitive symptoms correlate with higher CTE staging, particularly from stage III onward.
The analysis identifies no relationship between Stage I and II CTE and cognitive symptoms or dementia.
Findings highlight the need for awareness of dementia risks tied to advanced CTE neuropathology.

Abstract

Stage III and IV chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are independently associated with increased odds of having dementia. Higher CTE stage was associated with greater informant-reported cognitive symptoms. Stage I and II CTE were not associated with cognitive symptoms or dementia. CTE of any severity was not associated with informant-reported mood or behavioral symptoms.

CTE neuropathology alone is associated with dementia and cognitive symptoms

Key Points

Abstract

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