Scientists Have Advanced CTE Testing for Living Patients
Researchers are developing new PET scan tracers and blood tests to identify chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Scientists have progressed in the effort to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living patients using novel PET scan biomarkers and blood tests. Currently, a definitive CTE diagnosis is only possible through autopsy examination.
Why it matters
A reliable method to diagnose CTE in living patients would provide families with clarity regarding behavioral changes and allow researchers to accelerate the development of targeted medical treatments. Current diagnostic approaches are limited to processes of elimination and remain nondefinitive.
A study published in August 2026 estimated that nearly 400 NFL players might develop CTE. Researchers are utilizing the UNITE Brain Bank, which holds over 1,800 donated brains, to match biological signatures with confirmed autopsy evidence.
The players
UNITE Brain Bank
This facility at Boston University serves as a central repository for donated brains used to study the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma.
The details
Researchers are developing the radiochemistry tracer OXD-2314, which targets tau proteins that change shape and form clusters following repeated head trauma. Clinical teams are now testing these biomarkers through PET scans and blood analysis to detect signs of neuron damage and inflammation.
Timeline
Ralph Wenzel died in 2012 at age 69.
A study on CTE prevalence in NFL players was published in August 2026.
The Big Picture
This progress in living diagnostics marks a critical departure from the historical reliance on the 2012 death of Ralph Wenzel as a primary benchmark for CTE research. By moving beyond post-mortem analysis, the field is evolving from observational study toward active clinical intervention.
The development of these diagnostic tools could eventually allow individuals experiencing cognitive symptoms to confirm a CTE diagnosis without waiting for post-mortem evidence. This shift could enable earlier medical interventions and provide clarity for patients experiencing unexplained neurological changes.
The takeaway
Advancing diagnostic capabilities for degenerative brain conditions remains a high-priority goal for neurological science. Patients and families concerned with repetitive head injury histories should continue to consult with specialized neurologists for symptom management.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research on brain health in the Alzheimer’s section.
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