Repetitive exposure to cranial trauma is one of the hallmarks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Neuropathologically, hyperphosphorylated protein tau (p-tau) deposits are found. Initially it was described as pugilistic dementia, but it has been associated with other types of sports, explosive traumas among others. Symptoms of this disease include memory loss, cognitive impairment, mood swings and dementia. We present a review of the literature on this interesting disease.