TBI and Alzheimer’s Connected Again

The accumulation of tau molecules is a feature of many neuro-degenerative disorders following TBI such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Tau is also associated with the development of chronic CTE in football players. Scientist have now focused in on a molecule known as “Tau Oligomers” as the culprit in starting the brain pathologies in all these groups. This molecule apparently initiates the protein misfolding that occurs as a result of many types of brain disease. Injection of this molecule into mice started a course of severe neurodegeneration. However, once the administration was discontinued the mice went back to normal. It is reversible in this case.

There is also a possible non-intrusive biomarker for TBI and other neuro-degenerative conditions whereby the retina in the eye is examined to see if it has been invaded by tau oligomers. A test has not yet been developed.