Exploring ways to treat chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other related traumatic brain injuries.

Abstract

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder linked to repetitive head trauma, often seen in athletes and military personnel. This disorder cannot be diagnosed while the individual is alive because the protein responsible for the condition is hidden within the brain tissue, which can only be examined through dissection of the brain after death. This paper reviews therapeutic treatments aimed at managing CTE and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The first study examined the effectiveness of person-centered active rehabilitation using a mixed-methods single-case design. While participants showed improvements in executive function and mood, the small sample size and external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic limited the reliability of the results. The second study investigates the impact of animal-assisted therapy on cognitive and behavioral outcomes in TBI patients. The findings indicate significant improvements in the Rancho Los Amigos Scale and Levels of Command scores for participants in the intervention group compared to the control group. The results from this study highlighted the potential of animal-assisted therapy in treating TBI patients. Both studies and a literary review showcase the potential of personalized and therapeutic approaches to brain injury management and advocate for further research into expanding existing research.

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