Treatment for CTE
Currently there is no cure or treatment that is scientifically proven to prevent the degeneration of the brain in CTE, BUT there are ways you can improve your symptoms and quality of life.
Listed on this page are tried and tested ways that people with CTE have found to help their symptoms.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice and you should consult with a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to their health.
Alpha-Stim
Alpha-Stim® Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) Works as a powerful natural treatment for anxiety disorders and Anxiety symptoms. A 2019 NHS study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has proven how patients saw significant reductions in their Anxiety when using the Alpha-Stim® AID. People who have CTE and have used the Alpha-Stim have reported improvement with their sleep, anxiety, depression, anger and headaches.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Recently, basic and clinical research has shown the potential of HBOT to treat neurodegenerative diseases. As brain trauma disrupts the flow of oxygen to injured parts of the brain, often leading to cell damage and dysfunction. HBOT forces much more oxygen than normal into your blood vessels, which is known to promote healing in damaged, oxygen-starved tissues.
Ice Bath Therapy
Research is showing that ice baths increase neurotransmitters that may help improve depression and anxiety. A study showed that after a cold bath, dopamine levels increased by 250 percent, which lasted 2 hours. Even more notable, norepinephrine levels increased by 530 percent, Norepinephrine increases energy and focus, while contributing to the sleep-wake cycle, mood, and memory.
Pharmaceutical medication
There are currently no medicines that can slow down or cure CTE, however your doctor can treat some of your symptoms such as antidepressants for depression and anxiety, mood stabilisers for mood swings and anger problems, medication for pain and to aid sleep.
Please speak to your doctor about how they can treat your symptoms.
It’s important to remember that most medications will take time to be effective and can come with some possible side effects, if you experience any side effects then report these to your doctor, do not stop taking the medication without seeking professional advice!
Supplements
A quick google of supplements for brain health or treatment of CTE shows literally hundreds of different supplements that make claims that if you take their "magic" pill then you reduce your risks of developing dementia, improve or even slow down your CTE symptoms. Do your research before wasting your money on a supplement, there are some studies that show promising results with brain health and dementia, click the link below to see this study.
We can’t stress this enough! Before taking ANY supplement, please check with a pharmacist or doctor to check that it will not interact with any prescription drugs you may be taking. Just because you can buy it on the internet does not mean its safe for you to take it!
Exercise
There is plenty of medical evidence that both physical and mental exercise improves brain health, can reduce risks of developing dementia and possibly slow down the rate of neurodegenerative diseases. Taking part in regular exercise improves the health of your blood vessels, improve coordination, can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Just going for a walk on a regular basis can hugely affect your brain health.
Meditation
There are many types of meditation but the thing they all have in common is that, over time, they can help lower stress levels. By releasing physical tension held in the body, meditation can help us release worries buried in the mind, easing anxiety, stress and low mood, and even helping you get deeper, more restful sleep. Meditation can also bring a sense of calm that enables us to respond to life events in a measured way, rather than reacting with our emotions. For the best results, try to build regular meditation into your daily routine.
Speech & Language Therapy
Speech and language therapists (SALTs) asses and can offer support if you have problems with communication such as dysarthria (problems with the muscles involved in speech production), dysphasia (problems with understanding and using of words) or dysphagia (problems with swallowing) caused by dementia. Therapists can assist through various exercises.
Memory Therapy
Memory therapy focuses on maintaining and stimulating a person’s cognitive abilities through various activities such as cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), cognitive rehabilitation and reminiscing therapy. Improving and maintaining memories have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life.
Are you experiencing a mental health crisis?
There is help for you!
Shout: For 24/7 text support, text SHOUT to 85258 or click HERE
NHS 111 Online or Phone: If it's not an emergency but you need urgent help with your mental health, you can access NHS 111 online or by calling 111
Samaritans: Call 116 123 to talk , or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours or click HERE
CALM - 0800 585 858 or click HERE
Mind - 0300 1233 393 or click HERE
No Panic - 0844 9674 848 or click HERE
National Domestic Abuse - 0808 2000 247 or click HERE