This is a brain degeneration which is caused by repeated head traumas. The diagnosis of this condition is made by autopsy by studying other conditions of the brain. It is a very rare condition and it is most commonly found among people who play contact sports, such as football. The most common symptoms of CTE are depression or apathy; impulsive behavior; difficulty thinking; short – term memory loss; suicidal thoughts or behavior; substance abuse, emotional instability and difficulty planning and carrying out tasks.
Also, there are other symptoms for which doctors suspect that people have CTE and they are dementia; trouble with sense of smell; vision and focusing problems; trouble swallowing; motor impairment, such as rigidity, weakness, loss of muscle movement, tremor, difficulty walking; speech and language difficulties; aggression; irritability. Athletes have the highest risk of getting CTE. Also, CTE was found in people who have epilepsy that is not well – controlled; people who have been physically abused and people who repeatedly bang their heads.
This is a very controversial condition which is not well – understood. Doctors do not know the frequency of CTE in the population and they do not understand the cause for CTE. There is no cure for CTE but the remedies can help to ease the symptoms. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from CTE before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for this condition. Here are some home remedies for CTE:
Get enough sleep in case of CTEÂ
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Many athletes are affected by CTE. Doctors are recommending high – quality sleep to improve the brain health. There are some studies in which are shown that the deep sleep can support the blood – brain barrier, increase the growth of new brain cells, promote the regeneration of myelin, reduce cortisol levels and slow down the cognitive decline. This is a reason why it is very important to get good seven hours of sleep. Many people use to sleep a few hours which can contribute to their poor mental health. [1]
It is known that behavior is often worse at night. This is a reason why you should establish calming bedtime rituals. You should expose your eyes to sun in the morning. You should keep a regular sleeping schedule and go to bed at the same time every night. You should not eat anything for three hours before you go to bed. You can eat just raw honey, MCT oil or bone broth because they are easy to digest and they can support your sleep.
You should avoid stimulating movies and TV before you go to bed. You should avoid caffeine in the afternoon. In the most cases, people should completely avoid coffee after 2 pm. Some people cut it out even earlier so this can help them to have a good night sleep. It is known that the blue light can suppress your body’s production of melatonin which is leading to disrupted sleeping patterns and abnormal functioning of the nervous system. When it is dark outside, then you should avoid sources of blue light.
You should turn off household lights, wear blue blocking glasses, install f.lux on your computer and get red lights bulbs. You should sleep in dark environment. You should completely black out your room with curtains or you can wear a sleep mask overnight. If you sleep with lights on in your room, then it decreases neurogenesis and it impairs cognitive performance.
If you need light in your room, then you should have red, orange or amber light instead of blue light. You should reduce stress before you go to bed. You can take magnesium supplements and also you can lie on acupressure mat for ten minutes before you go to bed. You should avoid alcohol before you go to sleep because it can prevent from getting into deeper stages of sleep which is the period when the brain and body heal.
Alpha lipoic acid
This is a fatty acid that is created in the body. It is playing an important role in the mitochondrial energy metabolism. When it is taken in supplement form, then it is potent antioxidant compound which can reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation which can contribute to the neurological decline. Also, this home remedy can help to regulate the blood sugar levels which are very important for the healthy brain function. [2]
Eliminate alcohol
Doctors are recommending to athletes to eliminate alcohol. It is a neurotoxin and it wreaks havoc on the brain by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress, disrupting the blood – brain barrier and raising cortisol levels. You should avoid alcohol completely or significantly reduce your consumption if you are trying to heal from some kind of brain damage, including CTE. Also, doctors are recommending to sportiest to eliminate drugs, including cigarettes. [3]
Exercise regularly in case of CTEÂ
Many players are constantly exercising but they are still overweight or obese. There are some studies in which are noticed that 48% of players are obese or overweight [4]. This is a reason why doctors are encouraging athletes to eat healthier and exercise regularly in order to lose weight. You should find an aerobic activity in which you will enjoy. You can lift heavy weights 1 – 4 times per week. You can do high – intensity interval sprinting one to two times per week. You should walk as much as you can. Ideally, it is to walk 30 – 60 minutes every day. You should run twenty to thirty minutes before you lift weights.
Get enough vitamins and minerals
There are some studies in which are shown that supplementing with a high – dose Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and minerals can increase cognitive performance, improve mental health and reduce stress [5]. Also, doctors are recommending to their patients to take multivitamins on daily basis. You can take Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C but you need to talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage.
Games and thinking activities
You should play games, crossword puzzles and other activities which are using thinking skills because they can slow the mental decline.
Calming environment
When you are reducing distracting noise and clutter, then it can be easier for you to focus and function, especially if you have dementia. Also, this can reduce the frustration and confusion.
Gingko biloba
There are some studies in which are shown that the ginkgo biloba can help to increase the blood flow in the brain in football players [6]. This natural cure is used in the traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a natural treatment for many health problems. It is most commonly used to improve the brain health because it can help to increase the attention, memory and cognitive function in both healthy and unhealthy individuals.
This home remedy can reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and it can improve the mental energy and mood. This is possible due to its ability to increase the blood flow to the brain. It is known that gingko biloba can enhance the blood flow to the brain which will lead to improved reaction time and reduced neuroinflammation.
Modified tasks
It is very important to break your tasks into easier steps and focus on steps and not on failure. You should create structure and routine during the day because this can help you to reduce confusion.
Vitamin D
This is fat – soluble vitamin which our skin synthesizes when it is exposed to the sun. Every tissue in our bodies has Vitamin D receptors, including the brain, so a Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many psychological and physiological consequences, including cognitive impairment. The normal levels of this vitamin are between 30 and 100 ng/mL. Doctors are recommending to athletes to take between 50 and 100 ng/mL because the optimal Vitamin D levels can improve the mood and reduce the inflammation. Also, doctors are recommending to players to take more sunlight or take a Vitamin D3 supplements so in this way, they can boost the Vitamin D in their bodies.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is powerful antioxidant and it is very important for the brain health. There are some studies in which are said that Vitamin E supplementation can reduce the nerve damage and improves cognitive performance following repetitive and concussive brain injury. [7]
Omega – 3 fatty acids
These are the healthiest quality fats for the brain. You should increase your intake of Omega – 3 fatty acids because it can help to reverse the brain damage. You can find Omega – 3 fatty acids in herring, sardines, sablefish, black cord and salmon. [8]
References:
[1] Quan SF. Are sleep disturbances a risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy? Only the shadow knows. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2014;10(3):241–2.
[2] Utami NB, Agustina D, Efendi E. The correlation between administration of alpha lipoic acid and malondialdehyde level on traumatic brain injury model rat’s brain. Journal of Agromedicine and Medical Sciences. 2018;4.
[3] Weil ZM, Corrigan JD, Karelina K. Alcohol use disorder and traumatic brain injury. Alcohol Research. 2018;39(2):171–80.
[4] Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity. Commission presents its final report, calling for high-level action to address major health challenge. World Health Organization. 2016. Retrieved from www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/news/launch-final-report/en/
[5] Kennedy DO, Veasey R, Watson A, et al. Effects of high-dose B Vitamin complex with Vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010;211(1):55-68.
[6] Amen DG, Wu JC, Taylor D, Willeumier K. Reversing brain damage in former NFL players: Implications for traumatic brain injury and substance abuse rehabilitation. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2011;43(1):1-5.
[7] Dobrovolny J, Smrcka M, Bienertova-Vasku J. Therapeutic potential of Vitamin E and its derivatives in traumatic brain injury-associated dementia. Neurological Sciences. 2018;39(6):989-98.
[8] Kumar PR, Essa MM, Al-Adawi S, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids could alleviate the risks of traumatic brain injury – A mini review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2014;4(2):89–92.
