Ex-Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Mark Duper has returned a positive test for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder that is believed to be caused by head trauma.
Duper confirmed on Friday night that he has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment after being tested by researchers at UCLA. The 54-year-old becomes the ninth living ex-NFL player to show signs of CTE.
The three-time Pro Bowler is just one of four former league players that were tested and diagnosed with CTE symptoms over the past quarter. Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Joe DeLamielleure, and former All-Pro Leonard Marshall were the others.
The researchers carried out the diagnoses with the aid of a brain scan targeting accumulations of a protein called tau, which damages cells in some brain areas responsible for emotions, memory and some other functions. The tests were also based on symptoms that were reported by the erstwhile players.
Duper expressed shock on the outcome of his diagnosis showing signs of CTE, saying he had hoped everything was all right.
“I’ve had memory things where I would go to the store and forget what I went for,” the former All-Pro wide receiver said. “And I have emotional swings and panic attacks.”
In January, UCLA disclosed five other former NFL players had been diagnosed with signs of CTE, a condition with no known cure.
Diagnoses of CTE signs were done posthumously before the recent findings in the nine living former players. Accumulations of tau were noted in autopsy reports on more than 50 former players, including that on legendary Mike Webster and All-Pro Junior Seau.
CTE is linked to depression, dementia and suicidal thoughts.
However, Duper believed he would not commit suicide as some players with similar issue have done. He said he would attempt to see what could be done.
Source:
http://mens-news.com/2013/11/former-dolphins-receiver-mark-duper-shows-cte-signs/