New Study Finds Lifestyle Factors not Driving High Dementia Risk Among Ex-Pro Footballers
A recent study conducted by Professor Willie Stewart from the University of Glasgow has revealed that there is no evidence to suggest that health and lifestyle risk factors are responsible for the increased dementia risk observed in former professional footballers. These latest findings shed more light on the potential reasons behind why ex-pro footballers face a higher risk of dementia compared to the general population.
An earlier study by Professor Stewart found that ex-players were around three-and-a-half times more likely to die from neurodegenerative brain disease. The most recent research analysed data from the electronic health records of nearly 12,000 former professional footballers and almost 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.
Overall, the study revealed that the rates of these general health and lifestyle dementia risk factors were similar or even lower among former players, in comparison to their counterparts from the general population. Furthermore, the impact of these factors on dementia outcomes was significantly lower in former players than in the general population.
This new study builds upon previous research from the FIELD study in 2019, which highlighted the higher rate of neurodegenerative disease-related deaths among former professional footballers. Additional research from 2021 showed a direct correlation between career length and dementia risk, with players having the longest careers facing up to a fivefold increase in the risk of neurodegenerative disease.
Professor Stewart emphasised that while interventions to address general health and lifestyle risk factors should still be recommended, the primary focus for mitigating neurodegenerative disease risk among contact sports athletes should be on reducing or eliminating exposure to repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury.
The study underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to minimise repetitive head impacts and enhance head injury management in sports to lower dementia risk among athletes. The research, funded by the Football Association, the Professional Footballers Association, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Medical Research Council (MRC), signifies a significant step towards understanding and addressing dementia risks in the sports industry.
In summary, the study’s findings suggest that dementia risks among former professional footballers are not primarily driven by general health and lifestyle factors associated with dementia. By prioritising strategies to reduce head impacts and brain injury exposure, the sports community can work towards safeguarding the long-term brain health of athletes and mitigating dementia risks.
Insights and Summary:
The study conducted by Professor Willie Stewart provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to the higher risk of dementia among ex-professional footballers. By debunking the notion that lifestyle factors are primarily responsible for this increased risk, the study highlights the critical importance of addressing head impacts and brain injuries in sports. As we strive to protect athletes’ brain health and well-being, ongoing research and preventive measures are necessary to promote a safer sporting environment.