Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Niland who died by suicide had CTE brain disease

Studies have shown that athletes such as footballers, rugby players and fighters such as boxers are at a higher risk of developing CTE than the general population.

CTE can only be diagnosed after death. The disease – which is caused by repeated head trauma – has been found in the brains of dozens of former National Football League (NFL) players.

According to the CTE Society, a nonprofit group, in the early stages of the disease, some people also experience short-term memory problems, depression, aggressive tendencies and problems with executive function.

In later stages, these problems become stronger and others, such as mood swings and suicidal thoughts, appear. According to the CTE Society, in its final stages, a person can experience severe cognitive problems and memory loss as well as dementia.

The CTE Center at Boston University states that the cause of suicide is complex and postmortem CTE diagnosis is not known to be a risk factor for suicide.

But CTE researchers say the case shows that’s not enough for athletes to reduce the risk of the disease.

“Mr. Kneeland played in the modern era of concussion protocols and better helmets, and yet he still developed CTE,” said Dr. Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Concussion and CTE Foundation. “We have no reason to believe that the current generation is at a lower risk of CTE than previous generations.”