Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is an injury to the brain that can occur after repetitive blows to the head, after a single traumatic severe incident, or following repeated minor incidents. Fortunately, supplements with Omega-3 fatty acids can help support the brain's healing process.

After a series of head injuries, whether from contact sports or car accidents, CTE sufferers have been known to experience short-term memory loss, irritability, aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The condition affects sleep and is believed to increase the odds of developing Parkinson's disease.

CTE is a degenerative brain disease resulting in dementia and problems with walking, speaking, and thinking. CTE sufferers may experience mental health issues such as:

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Memory loss
• Decreased cognitive skills

CTE has been found in athletes who play contact sports, military veterans, victims of domestic violence, and others who have experienced multiple traumatic head injuries. CTE can only be diagnosed after death when doctors can study the brain for protein deposits called tau tangles that provide evidence of the disease. CTE is not yet curable or preventable; however, Omega-3 supplements offer benefits to those who suffer from CTE.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be considered food for the brain and increased intake has been shown to reverse brain damage. In one example, researchers gave 30 retired NFL football players who demonstrated “brain damage and cognitive impairment” 5.6 grams of fish oil (a primary source of Omega-3s) every day during a six-month trial. The study results demonstrated increased cognitive function, increased memory and information processing speeds, and increased blood flow, among other indicators of improved brain functioning among these players.