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CTE is a subtype of dementia in which many repeated injuries to a person’s head, including whiplash, is thought to lead to abnormal tau protein within the brain and a loss of neurons or their connections over time. CTE was called "punch drunk" syndrome or dementia pugilistica but these terms are no longer used. It is important to recognise that CTE can be due to non-sporting contact, including explosions or blast trauma, violent assault, family and domestic violence, or frequent falls leading to head impacts. Those with epilepsy, frailty, or blindness may be at higher risk of falls and head injury. 

CTE has been shown extensively in professional American football players, where symptoms in life have been correlated to the changes seen after death at brain autopsy. The earlier and the longer someone has played, the higher the risk. It is thought that brain vibration and torsion, neuroinflammation, age, vascular risk or genetic profile are amongst factors that may play a role in the development of CTE dementia or dementia as a whole. Seemingly minor head knocks, called subconcussions, as well as concussion are thought to increase the risk of developing CTE dementia. However, a single or small number of head knocks is unlikely to be a problem, and it is recognised that not all athletes exposed to this degree of mTBI will develop CTE. Research in this field remains early, and many questions about the way that CTE develops are unanswered. 

There is no single test for CTE, however the likelihood of having CTE dementia can be identified by seeing a doctor and medical team qualified in the assessment of brain injury. The team may include neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, geriatricians, sports physicians, or rehabilitation specialists. Although there is no cure, prevention, and care for those at risk of CTE is vital for good quality of life.