Recent research has shed light on a significant aspect of football and its potential link to dementia. A study conducted by Glasgow University's Professor Willie Stewart has revealed some intriguing results. It was found that there is no evidence suggesting a direct link between the high dementia risk among footballers and health and lifestyle factors. Instead, it increases the likelihood that heading footballs has led to brain injuries.

Unraveling the Mystery of Football and Dementia

Health and Lifestyle Factors in Footballers

Traditionally, it was believed that factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, diabetes, and blood pressure might contribute to the higher dementia risk among footballers. However, the new study shows that these factors do not appear to be the main culprits. Former professional footballers were actually at lower risk of alcohol-related disorders, smoking, diabetes, and obesity compared to the general population. Their blood pressure and weight were in good condition, and they did not have these common risk factors. But the issue of dementia still persists, pointing to the potential role of head injuries from heading the ball. 2: This finding challenges the previous assumptions and prompts a reevaluation of the relationship between football and dementia. It raises questions about the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts during the sport. While footballers may lead healthy lives in other aspects, the impact of heading the ball on their brain health cannot be ignored.

The Role of Head Injuries in Football

Professor Stewart's research emphasizes the importance of head injuries in the context of dementia among footballers. Five years ago, he discovered that footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die from a neurodegenerative disease than the normal population. This indicates that there is a significant association between heading the ball and brain injuries. 2: The legal action being taken by a group of families, including relatives of the late 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, further highlights the seriousness of the issue. Former Premier League players like Gary Pallister and Steve Howey have also expressed their health fears after years of heading footballs. Howey, one of the claimants, has undergone scans that showed cognitive decline. This provides real-life evidence of the potential consequences of head impacts in football.

Football Authorities and Brain Health Initiatives

In response to these concerns, various organizations are taking action. The Football Association is investing in and supporting multiple projects to gain a better understanding of the area through research. They have already taken proactive steps to review and address potential risk factors. 2: The Professional Footballers' Association, the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales, has a dedicated brain health team. They support former members concerned about brain health and educate current players on the importance of brain health in football. In September 2023, they launched the Football Brain Health Fund, providing initial £1m to assist former players and their families affected by dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.