Guest: Dr. Jesse Mez, Associate Professor of Neurology, Boston University

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we explore a critical but often overlooked issue in contact sports: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in ice hockey. Dr. Jesse Mez, a neurologist specializing in aging and dementia at Boston University, shares groundbreaking findings on the risks associated with repetitive head trauma in hockey players and what this means for the future of the sport. Paul wrote on this subject and Mez’s research for Harvard Public Health here.

What We Discussed

🧠 What is CTE?

CTE is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head trauma. Like Alzheimer’s, it can lead to memory loss, impulsivity, mood disorders, and cognitive decline. But unlike Alzheimer’s, CTE has a distinct pattern of tau protein accumulation in the brain, which can only be diagnosed after death.

🏒 CTE in Ice Hockey: What the Research Shows

For years, CTE research focused on American football, but Boston University’s UNITE Brain Bank recently examined 77 brain donors who primarily played ice hockey. The findings were eye-opening:

✅ 34% increase in CTE risk for each additional year of play
✅ A strong link between years of play and the amount of tau pathology in the brain
✅ Enforcers—players known for fighting—had increased risk, but overall, the total years of play mattered most

🚨 What This Means for Hockey and Other Contact Sports

CTE isn’t just a concern for professional players—it affects anyone exposed to repeated head impacts. The study’s results highlight the need for changes in hockey regulations, such as:

✔️ Limiting checking in youth and amateur leagues
✔️ Reducing overall exposure to head impacts
✔️ Exploring ways to modify the sport while maintaining its competitive nature

🔍 Can We Diagnose CTE in Living Athletes?

Right now, CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously, but Dr. Mez believes that biomarkers and clinical assessments could one day help diagnose and manage the disease in living players—just like with Alzheimer’s.

💡 The Future of Brain Health in Sports

Dr. Mez emphasizes that awareness is key. Contact sports may never be completely risk-free, but by studying the long-term effects of repeated head trauma, we can empower players, families, and policymakers to make informed decisions about safety and participation.

Final Thoughts

This episode sheds light on the hidden dangers of ice hockey and other high-contact sports, but it also offers hope. With continued research, policy changes, and open conversations, we can make sports safer for future generations.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now to learn more!