Researchers Have Advanced CTE Diagnosis Tools
New diagnostic tests aim to identify chronic traumatic encephalopathy in living patients for the first time.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Scientists are developing blood tests and PET scan biomarkers that could eventually allow doctors to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients. This diagnostic capability could transform the care of those currently suffering from symptoms like memory loss and mood swings.
Why it matters
The inability to diagnose CTE before death has hindered efforts to develop effective treatments for neurodegenerative symptoms. Identifying CTE in living patients would be a major shift in managing long-term brain health for those at risk.
A study published in August 2026 found that at least 25% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 potentially had CTE, while the UNITE Brain Bank reports that 50% of its 1,800 donated brains show evidence of the disease.
The players
Boston University
An academic institution home to the UNITE Brain Bank which studies neurodegenerative diseases.
Brain Health Imaging Centre
A research facility in Toronto focused on developing advanced imaging techniques for neurological diagnosis.
UCLA
A major research university collaborating on the development of new diagnostic biomarkers for brain disorders.
Julian Bailes
A neurosurgeon based in Evanston, Illinois, recognized for his work in clinical sports medicine and brain injury.
The details
CTE is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal tau proteins around blood vessels and inside neurons. Researchers are now developing radiochemistry tracers, such as OXD-2314, which are designed to bind specifically to this unique tau protein structure for visualization on PET scans. Simultaneously, investigators are analyzing blood samples from high-risk individuals to identify distinct biomarkers that could signal the presence of the condition.
Timeline
2012: Ralph Wenzel passed away.
2016-2021: Period analyzed for NFL player CTE prevalence study.
2025: Vasdev's team completed safety testing for the OXD-2314 tracer.
August 2026: Prevalence study results were published.
Health Landscape
Current CTE research is moving from retrospective post-mortem analysis toward identifying indicators in the living brain. This evolution is driven by the work of the UNITE Brain Bank, which has provided the foundation for current Phase 3 clinical trials seeking diagnostic confirmation.
While these diagnostic tools are currently in development, individuals concerned about cognitive symptoms like memory loss or mood swings should document their history and discuss these issues with a physician. Staying informed about these clinical trial milestones is the best way to prepare for future screening options.
The takeaway
The field is closing in on objective diagnostic tools for CTE, moving beyond autopsy-only confirmation. It is recommended to track cognitive changes and maintain a record of any history of head injury to discuss with a doctor as new screening options become available.
Further reading
For more on neurodegenerative conditions and brain health, explore our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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