BOSTON (WPRI) — A study out of Boston University's CTE center is raising concerns for parents of young athletes.

Researchers say brain damage from contact sports can show up years before signs of CTE even appear.

BU is a world leader in studying the effects of head trauma. This latest study found that repeated hits to the head, even without getting a concussion, led to neuron loss, inflammation, and lasting brain damage.

The CTE center examined the brains of former athletes under 51 years old and people who have never played sports before. They found some of the athletes had fewer neurons in key areas of the brain, inflammation, and blood vessel damage.

Co-author of the study, Dr. Jonathan Cherry, said the takeaway is minimizing the risk and starting contact sports later for kids. It's

See Full Page