Comorbidities of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

CTE is often correlated with other conditions or environmental factors like

• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Sleep disturbances
• Development environment
• Neurodevelopment disorders
• Surgeries and anesthesia

Treatments for CTE

There is no current treatment for CTE, but preventing head injury is the main focus. Most forms of therapy targets the cause of the issue. NAD+ can be used to treat certain symptoms of CTE and can help rebuild/grow brain cells even after trauma.

NAD+ Therapy for CTE

NAD+ continues to show a promising treatment for CTE and many other neurological conditions. There are holes or areas where abnormal plaque builds up in the brain. Even though there are brain cells present, they are not functioning correctly and send electrical pulses less efficiently, causing impaired brain function. NAD+ therapy helps build new connections within the brain and promotes an increased clarity of thought. 

Research suggests NAD+ has been able to recover and replenish neuronal cells in several ways, including promoting communication between cells and the nucleus which causes the cell to increase its energy and sirtuin (a class of enzymes) production. Sirtuins have played a role in the production, growth, extension, and protection of new neurons. Enhancing brain energy metabolism through NAD+ therapy has been able to diminish the dysfunctional protein buildup linked to neurodegeneration. Additionally, utilizing NAD+ can also help DNA repair by activating the enzymes as well as reverse some effects of radiation. 

Some neurobehavioral changes include:

• Irritability
• Aggressiveness
• Severe depression
• Dementia
• Emotional instability
• Poor impulse control

A lot of times, CTE symptoms will gradually begin to show over the course of years to decades after initial trauma. Participating in contact sports, or receiving repetitive impacts to the head increase your risks of CTE.