UNDERSTANDING CTE

KNOWLEDGE. COMPASSION. QUALITY OF LIFE.

CTE is a progressive brain disease caused by repetitive head impacts over time. While there is currently no cure, our mission at Tempus Group is to optimize the quality of life of those living with CTE.

PERFORMANCE FOCUSED
Active living and wellness

PURPOSE DRIVEN
Meaningful days and lifelong purpose

COMMUNITY CONNECTED
Stronger together, support for life

BUILT FOR MORE THAN A LIFETIME
World class living in the heart of Durban

WHAT IS CTE?

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head impacts over time. It is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of tau protein in the brain, leading to gradual changes in thinking, behaviour, mood and daily functioning.

CTE can currently only be definitively diagnosed through post-mortem examination of brain tissue.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

COGNITIVE

Memory difficulties
Reduced attention & concentration
Impaired planning & decision-making
Slower processing speed
Progressive cognitive decline

MOOD & BEHAVIOURAL

Irritability & aggression
Depression & anxiety
Impulsivity
Emotional instability
Apathy & loss of motivation

Symptoms can vary and often overlap with Alzheimer’s disease, depression, PTSD and other neurological conditions.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Former contact sport athletes (rugby, football, boxing, MMA, hockey, soccer)
Military veterans exposed to blast injuries
Individuals with a long history of repetitive head trauma
Athletes with repeated subconcussive impacts over many years

Risk is related to the total cumulative load of head impacts - not just diagnosed concussions.

IS THERE A CURE?

At present, there is no cure for CTE.

Current care focuses on:

Maximising quality of life
Preserving independence & function
Supporting cognitive health
Encouraging physical activity
Promoting emotional wellbeing
Supporting families & caregivers

Research is advancing, but our commitment today is to help individuals live, with purpose, dignity and connection.

DIAGNOSIS: THE CURRENT FRONTIER

Definitive diagnosis: Post-mortem (gold standard)
In-vivo (living patients): No FDA-approved test yet
Emerging tools in research include blood biomarkers, advanced imaging and tau PET scans.
The NINDS consensus criteria provides a framework for the clinical diagnosis of Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES).

THE TEMPUS COMMITMENT

Our goal is to create exceptional communities where individuals living with CTE can continue to live with purpose, connection, dignity and joy.

We provide supportive living environments, meaningful engagement, wellness programmes and compassionate care - because quality of life is always within our power to improve.

THERE MAY BE NO CURE YET, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE.
AT TEMPUS, WE BELIEVE LIFE CAN STILL BE EXTRAORDINARY.

TEMPUS GROUP

WORLD CLASS LIVING
BUILT FOR MORE THAN A LIFETIME

Information compiled by

Dr. Pranav Hiralal
HPCSA #: MP0999490
General Practitioner - Medical Doctor
+27 (74) 777 1339
navihiralal@gmail.com

KEY REFERENCES 1. Asken BM, et al. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: State-of-the-Science Update and Narrative Review. The Clinical Neuropsychologisist 2025
2. Babcock KJ, et al. Recent Advances in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. The American Journal of Pathology. 2025.
3. Blanks AM, et al. Emerging Frontiers in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: Early Diagnosis. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2024.
4. Katz DI, et al. NINDS Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome. Neurology. 2021.
5. Lobue C, et al. Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neurology. 2025.