Ex-pro footballers three times more likely to get dementia from heading balls, new research finds
FOOTBALLERS are more likely to die from brain disorders — probably from headers, a major study reveals.
Their risk of succumbing to Alzheimer’s is 5.07 times greater than the general public’s while their odds of having other dementias are 3.48 times higher.
They are also 2.15 times more likely to die from Parkinson’s disease and have a 4.33 greater risk of getting motor neurone disease.
They warned players to head the ball less during training and complete more passes along the ground.
The University of Glasgow experts also called for players to be taken off the pitch for a thorough medical check if they clash heads.
It comes after they compared the medical records of 7,676 former professional footballers with 23,000 other men.
But the players were less likely to die from heart disease or lung cancer, which experts put down to their healthier lifestyles.
Deaths in ex-footballers were lower than expected up to age 70 and higher than expected over that age.
The study began after claims former England and West Brom striker Jeff Astle died aged 59 because of repeated blows to the head.
An examination of his brain, following his death in 2002, revealed he suffered from a condition usually linked to boxers.
FA COMMITTED TO RESEARCH
The Football Association and Professional Footballers Association funded the study led by consultant neuropathologist Dr Willie Stewart.
He said: “Our study found professional footballers have a significantly higher risk of dying from neurodegenerative disease.
“The most likely risk factor is heading the ball and head injuries, caused by collisions.
“I’m not saying heading should be banned but I would advise players to head the ball less during midweek training.
“Authorities also need to improve the management of head injuries.”
He added: “Playing football, like other sports, has numerous health benefits and – on balance – you are better playing than not.
“But that does not mean we should not aim to reduce the risk of head impacts.
“Parents taking their kids to play football at a local club should ask about their head injury protocol and go elsewhere if they do not get a good response.”
HEADING RISKS
The study looked at Scottish professional footballers born between 1900 and 1976 but Dr Stewart believes the risks remain unchanged.
He said contrary to popular belief, footballs used today weigh the same as those used during the study period.
Gordon Taylor, PFA Chief Executive, said: “These findings are a matter of considerable importance to our members.
“It is now incumbent on football globally to come together to address this issue in a comprehensive and united manner.
“Research must continue to answer more specific questions about what needs to be done to identify and reduce risk factors.
“Our members’ wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we are committed to representing their voice.”
The FA said the study does not determine whether the higher risks are linked to heading, concussion or other factors.
And it said there was not enough evidence at this stage to make changes to how the game is played, such as banning heading.
An independent advisory panel recommended the FA reissue its concussion guidelines and best-practice advice for coaching heading.
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The Association backed UEFA’s proposals to introduce concussion substitutes.
Greg Clarke, FA chairman, said: “This is the most comprehensive study ever commissioned into neurodegenerative disease in former professional footballers.
“The whole game must recognise that this is only the start of our understanding and there are many questions that still need to be answered.”
The findings are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
DEMENTIA UK WELCOME NEW RESEARCH
Dr. Hilda Hayo, CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said: “This piece of research is a welcome step in highlighting how dementia affects different groups within society as well as the potential causes of the condition.
"For the footballers already affected by dementia and their families, the most important thing now is ensuring they get a diagnosis so they can access the specialist dementia support they need.
“We also need to be building up the case for more regular screening of at risk groups as well as greater development of young onset dementia services, particularly when many ex-players are diagnosed under the age of 65.
“For anyone who has worries about dementia and its symptoms, in themselves or another person, there is the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline which can be reached on 0800 888 6678.”
