THIS Is The Fastest Way To Get Dementia… | The Brain Doctor, Dr Ann Mckee

 

🧠 The Fastest Way to Get Dementia? What Dr. Ann McKee Wants You to Know

When we think of dementia, most of us imagine aging, genetics, or maybe poor lifestyle choices. But according to brain expert Dr. Ann McKee, there’s a much faster—and more preventable—way to develop dementia: repeated hits to the head.

In her powerful interview on The Diary of a CEO, Dr. McKee explains how chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of dementia, is directly linked to repeated brain trauma. This isn’t just about major concussions. Even small, repeated impacts—like those from football tackles, soccer headers, or hockey checks—can cause long-term damage.

CTE develops when the brain is shaken inside the skull, causing tiny injuries to nerve cells and blood vessels. Over time, these injuries build up a toxic protein called tau, which spreads and destroys healthy brain tissue. The result? Memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and eventually full-blown dementia.

The stats are shocking: over 90% of NFL players studied showed signs of CTE. Even young athletes who died before age 30 had early signs of brain damage.

What’s most alarming is how preventable this is. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which has complex causes, CTE has a clear trigger—head trauma. That means we can take action: better safety gear, smarter sports rules, and more awareness.

Dr. McKee’s message is simple but urgent: if we don’t protect our brains, we risk losing them. So whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or just someone who loves sports, it’s time to think twice about repeated head impacts.

Your brain is your most valuable asset. Treat it like it matters.