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Researchers Advanced CTE Diagnostic Methods

Scientists are working to identify brain damage in living patients as former NFL players report severe symptoms.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football

A metallic clinical MRI head coil sits on a minimalist laboratory table, representing medical research into CTE diagnostics.
Researchers at Boston University are working to advance diagnostic methods for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, seeking to identify the condition in living patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Medical researchers have worked to develop a reliable diagnostic test for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition caused by repeated head injuries that currently cannot be confirmed in living patients. This research aims to provide critical medical insights for former athletes experiencing cognitive decline.

Why it matters

Doctors require a verified diagnostic method to inform clinical treatment for former athletes suffering from the neurodegenerative effects of CTE. Developing such a tool is essential for managing the long-term health outcomes of players affected by nerve cell death.

Mass General Brigham researchers tracked more than 300 former players and Alzheimer's patients since 2015. Data indicates that at least 25% of NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 were diagnosed with CTE.

The players

Larry Johnson

The former running back played for the Kansas City Chiefs and is currently reporting symptoms consistent with CTE.

Mass General Brigham

This integrated healthcare system is currently leading research into the prevalence and diagnosis of brain injuries among former athletes.

Boston University

This institution serves as the primary site for ongoing academic research into chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Jordan Devey

The former NFL player passed away in the summer of 2026 at the age of 38.

The details

The research team at Boston University identifies patterns in testing data to create a diagnostic method for the brain disease. By comparing symptom profiles across the study group, scientists hope to differentiate CTE from other neurodegenerative conditions.

Timeline

  1. 2003-2009: Larry Johnson played for the Kansas City Chiefs.

  2. 2015: The research study on former players began.

  3. 2016-2021: Period analyzed for NFL player mortality and CTE prevalence.

  4. Summer 2026: Jordan Devey died at age 38.

The Big Picture

This research follows the pattern set by the ongoing Boston University CTE research program to identify neurodegenerative markers in retired athletes. The development of a diagnostic test represents a paradigm shift that could fundamentally change how chronic brain injury is managed.

Larry Johnson recorded 826 total ball touches during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, including 457 carries and 74 catches in 2005 alone. These figures highlight the volume of physical contact typical of high-usage positions that may contribute to long-term cognitive risks.

The takeaway

The lack of an in-vivo diagnostic test remains the primary barrier to effective early intervention for retired athletes. Ongoing research remains the only path toward creating clinical protocols that can eventually identify and mitigate the damage caused by repeated head impacts.

Further reading

For more context on the long-term health impact of the sport, visit Football.

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Should professional sports leagues be required to fund long-term medical care for retired players?