Macquarie University/The Lighthouse Support groups to help people at risk of the concussion-linked dementia syndrome, CTE, are part of a range of treatments underway by Macquarie University neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs, whose research has identified symptoms that can be early signs of the disease. Athletes in many contact sports are expected to take hard knocks in their stride; but repeated blows to the head are increasingly being linked to the progressive brain disease Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Danger: a new national study has identified a form of dementia in athletes that is linked to a progressive brain disease caused by repeated concussion. Image: Getty images.