No evidence high dementia risk among ex-pro footballers driven by lifestyle factors

New Study by Glasgow University Finds No Lifestyle Factors Driving High Dementia Risk Among Ex-Pro Footballers

A recent study conducted by Professor Willie Stewart of Glasgow University has provided new insights into the potential reasons behind the heightened risk of dementia among former professional footballers. Contrary to previous beliefs, the research indicates that health and lifestyle risk factors may not be accountable for the increased dementia risk in ex-pro footballers compared to the general population.

Professor Stewart’s earlier research revealed that ex-players were significantly more likely to die from neurodegenerative brain disease. The latest study analysed data from nearly 12,000 former professional footballers and around 36,000 matched population controls in Scotland. Key dementia risk factors such as smoking, depression, alcohol-related disorders, diabetes, hypertension, hearing loss, and obesity were compared between the two groups.

Surprisingly, the study found that the rates of these general health and lifestyle risk factors were either similar or lower among former players than in the general population. Additionally, the impact of these factors on dementia outcomes was less pronounced in ex-footballers. This new research builds upon previous studies, which established a higher rate of neurodegenerative disease mortality among former professional footballers.

Professor Stewart highlighted that while addressing general health and lifestyle risk factors remains important, the primary focus for mitigating neurodegenerative disease risk in contact sports athletes should be on reducing exposure to repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury. The study reinforces the necessity for continued efforts to minimise head impacts and enhance head injury management in sports to decrease dementia risk among athletes.

Funded by the Football Association, the Professional Footballers Association, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Medical Research Council (MRC), the study titled ‘Influence of health and lifestyle factors on dementia risk among former professional soccer players’ sheds light on the complexities of dementia risk in ex-footballers. Earlier this year, Amanda Kopel, widow of footballer Frank Kopel, advocated for banning headers from the game following her husband’s tragic death from vascular dementia.

Amanda emphasised the need for drastic changes in football to protect players from the long-term consequences of heading the ball. As discussions around player safety and health in sports continue, the study’s findings call for a re-evaluation of current practices and policies to safeguard athletes from the risks associated with repetitive head impacts.

In conclusion, the study by Glasgow University challenges previous assumptions about the primary drivers of dementia risk among ex-professional footballers. By highlighting the importance of reducing exposure to head impacts and traumatic brain injury, the research underscores the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard athletes’ brain health in contact sports.