IT’S NOT JUST CONCUSSIONS: Athletes’ Brains (272)

IT’S NOT JUST CONCUSSIONS: What Years of Hits May Be Doing to Athletes’ Brains What are years of repeated hits doing to athletes’ brains? Dominique and Erica explore CTE, repetitive head impacts (RHI), NFL brain injuries, soccer heading and new 2026 research on long-term brain health. From professional athletes to youth sports, the concussion may only be the injury we notice. HASHTAGS: #SpillTheTeaWithDE, #CTE, #ChronicTraumaticEncephalopathy, #RepetitiveHeadImpacts, #RHI, #Concussions, #BrainHealth, #SportsMedicine, #FootballSafety, #NFL, #YouthFootball, #Soccer, #SoccerSafety, #YouthSports, #AthleteSafety, #HeadInjuries, #BrainInjuryAwareness, #SportsParents, #StudentAthletes, #ContactSports, #Neuroscience, #ProtectTheBrain, #SportsSafety MUSIC CREDIT: Music used in Spill the Tea with D & E is copyrighted and provided by Santa Barbara Wellness Center, Inc. All rights reserved. PRODUCTION NOTES Hosts: Dominique Hackett & Erica Produced in association with: Santa Barbara Wellness Center, Inc. Fact-Check Date: August 26, 2026 Primary Research Discussed: The September 2024 JAMA Neurology research involving 1,980 former NFL players, including the finding that approximately 34.4% believed they had CTE. This statistic represents self-reported belief, not confirmed diagnoses of CTE. The episode also discusses research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in July 2026 involving former elite professional soccer players with histories of repetitive head impacts. Important Scientific Context: CTE currently requires examination of brain tissue after death for definitive diagnosis. Symptoms sometimes associated with suspected CTE can overlap with treatable conditions including depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, hormonal problems, cardiovascular conditions, medication effects and other neurological disorders. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or provide individualized medical advice. Anyone experiencing changes in memory, mood, behavior, cognition or neurological function should consult an appropriate licensed healthcare professional rather than assuming those symptoms are caused by CTE. Producer Note: The purpose of this episode is not to discourage participation in athletics. It is to encourage informed conversations about safer practices, appropriate medical evaluation, recovery, reducing unnecessary repetitive head impacts and protecting athletes at every level of competition. 🌿🍵 The Last Sip 🍵🌿 Before we put the kettle away and head back into the adventure of everyday life, we’d like to leave you with one final thought: Wellness isn’t something you buy. It’s something you build. One conversation, one healthy choice, one act of kindness, one deep breath, and sometimes one cup of tea at a time. If today’s conversation inspired you, encouraged you, or simply made you smile, we invite you to support the work of Santa Barbara Wellness Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization started in 2015, dedicated to helping people cultivate healthier bodies, calmer minds, stronger communities, and more meaningful lives. Your tax-deductible donations help support wellness education, community programs, mindfulness initiatives, and projects that encourage people to thrive rather than merely survive. To learn more or make a contribution, visit: SBWellness.org Because a healthier community begins with people who care enough to plant seeds today for a better tomorrow. Until next time, keep your cup full, your heart open, and remember… The world may be complicated, but sharing tea and sharing wisdom are still wonderfully simple. 🌱 This is Dominique and Erica saying