The Brief NIH-supported researchers found a 56% loss of specific neurons in athletes exposed to repeated head impacts. The study highlights early warning signs that could help detect and treat brain damage sooner. It also remains unclear whether certain protective measures could slow or prevent the progression from early damage to CTE. How repeated head impacts affect young athletes’ brainsThe backstory:Most research on CTE has focused on older athletes with advanced disease. Brain scans show areas of damage linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head impacts in athletes.