Can we finally spot CTE before death? new study hopes to find out
NCT ID NCT06860828
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is trying to find ways to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living people. Right now, CTE can only be confirmed after death. Researchers will study 350 former college and professional football players, using memory tests and other biomarkers. The goal is to better understand the condition and pave the way for future treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to the first reliable way to diagnose CTE in living people, enabling future research on prevention and treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not produce a diagnostic tool that works outside this specific group of former football players.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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1Florida ADRC, University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) and Mayo Clinic Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, 85006, United States
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Boston University Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC)
Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
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South Texas ADRC University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC)
San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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