Pop

Charlie’s CTE is critical to the plot and relationships of Pop. CTE is defined as a neurological condition in which nerve cells degenerate, causing loss of memory and daily function (“Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.” Mayo Clinic). Though experts still work to understand the causes and symptoms of CTE, the condition has been linked to repeated head injuries, such as those Charlie sustained during his NFL career. Symptoms of CTE vary from person to person and can include cognitive impairment (such as difficulty thinking or memory loss), behavioral changes (aggression and impulse control difficulties), mood changes (including depression or emotional instability), and movement symptoms where patients gradually lose control of things like balance or the ability to swallow. CTE symptoms typically do not manifest immediately after sustained head injuries, and experts believe symptoms come in two stages with behavioral issues coming first and cognitive decline, like that of Alzheimer’s dementia, settling later in life.

Charlie’s CTE mimics the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, defined as “a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior” (“What is Alzheimer’s Disease?” Alzheimer’s Association). Dementia itself is a general term for a loss of mental capability that is severe enough to interfere with daily tasks, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for between 60% and 80% of cases.