A promising young Australian footballer, Nick Lowden, died at the age of 23 from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), an incurable and fatal degenerative brain disease. The condition, linked to repeated head trauma, has been identified in several former professional athletes, but its impact extends to all levels of contact sports. A particularly devastating aspect of CTE is the inability to diagnose it definitively in living individuals. The disease progresses as abnormal proteins accumulate in brain cells, disrupting their function and leading to cell death. Symptoms often manifest as changes in mood, memory, and impulse control.
The Onset of Symptoms at 17
For Nick Lowden, the trajectory of his health appears to have taken a critical turn at just 17 years old. During a game in 2017, while leaping for a mark (a contested catch), he was involved in a severe collision. The incident, described by his father Tony, saw Nick’s legs seemingly taken out from under him, resulting in him falling and hitting his head on the ground, rendering him unconscious for several seconds. Tragically, despite exhibiting signs of concussion and memory loss after the game, and in contravention of the sport’s own concussion protocols at the time, he was allowed to return to play.
His family believes this moment was the catalyst for the subsequent decline in his mental health. While Nick was outwardly successful, pursuing a semi-professional Australian Football League (AFL) career in both the Victorian Football League and South Australia’s league, attending university, and surrounded by a supportive network, he was internally grappling with severe mental health challenges. His mother, Kerry, recounted Nick’s confusion and distress as conventional treatments like medication and psychological therapy failed to alleviate his suffering. He was dedicated to his physical and mental well-being, abstaining from alcohol and drugs and focusing on peak performance, yet he felt he was battling an insurmountable foe.
A Growing Crisis and a Devastating Loss
The year following his success in winning the 2022 SA Premiership with Norwood, Nick’s mental health reached a crisis point. His parents, Kerry and Tony, grew increasingly concerned as Nick expressed suicidal ideation. The situation escalated while Nick was recovering at home from an injury and his parents were away on a trip. A sense of dread washed over Kerry as Nick had ceased communication, and Tony’s attempts to reach him by phone went unanswered, going straight to voicemail. This silence amplified their fears.
Upon their return, Kerry rushed into their home, calling out for Nick. She discovered him, a moment of profound horror that she described as unforgettable. In the immediate aftermath, neighbours were alerted, and emergency services were called. Tragically, Nick had taken his own life.
Brain Donation and the CTE Diagnosis
Following Nick’s death, the coroner’s office approached the Lowden family to inquire about donating Nick’s brain for research. Initially, they believed they were offering a brain affected by severe depression. However, the subsequent tests yielded a shocking revelation: Nick had been suffering from CTE. This diagnosis provided a scientific explanation for the profound changes and struggles he had endured, linking his deteriorating mental health to the head trauma sustained during his football career, particularly the incident at age 17.
Understanding CTE in Contact Sports
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with a history of repetitive head trauma. The condition is characterized by the buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain, which can lead to neuronal dysfunction and death. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, the link between head impacts and the development of CTE is well-established in scientific literature. The cumulative effect of sub-concussive and concussive blows, common in sports like Australian Rules Football, rugby, boxing, and American football, is considered a primary risk factor.
The difficulty in diagnosing CTE during a person’s lifetime poses a significant challenge for athletes, families, and medical professionals. Definitive diagnosis can currently only be made post-mortem through neuropathological examination of brain tissue. This diagnostic hurdle means that individuals experiencing symptoms potentially related to CTE may not receive the correct diagnosis or appropriate support while alive. The symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, impulse control problems, aggression, depression, and anxiety, can be mistaken for other psychiatric or neurological conditions.
The tragic case of Nick Lowden underscores the critical need for continued research into CTE, improved diagnostic methods, and enhanced safety protocols in contact sports. The awareness generated by such stories aims to promote better understanding, encourage preventative measures, and support athletes and their families facing the devastating reality of this incurable disease.
