Key Highlights :
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans and players. However, recent studies have shown that playing football can increase the risk of developing dementia. A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found that footballers are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia than the general population.
The study examined the medical records of over 7,500 former professional footballers in Scotland, who were born between 1900 and 1976, and compared them with the general population. The researchers found that footballers had a higher risk of dementia, but there was no significant risk increase for footballers of contracting motor neurone disease.
Interestingly, the study also found that the risk of Parkinson's disease and overall mortality was lower among football players compared to other people. The academics behind the study suggested that this might be because of maintaining good physical fitness from frequently playing football.
The study also compared the risk of neurodegenerative disease among outfield players to goalkeepers. It found that outfield players had a 1.4 times higher risk of neurodegenerative disease compared to goalkeepers. The researchers suggested that this might be because outfield players are more likely to head the ball, which can cause brain injury over time.
The findings of this study are important for footballers and their families, as well as for the football community as a whole. It highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with playing football, particularly in terms of head injuries and brain health. It also suggests that maintaining good physical fitness through regular exercise, such as playing football, can have a positive impact on overall health and longevity.
In conclusion, while playing football may increase the risk of developing dementia, the sport also has many health benefits, such as improving physical fitness and reducing the risk of Parkinson's and mortality. It is important for footballers to be aware of the risks associated with playing the sport, and to take steps to protect their brain health, such as limiting head injuries and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms of cognitive decline.