A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that there is no evidence linking high dementia risk among former professional soccer players to potentially modifiable general health and lifestyle dementia risk factors. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow, examined data from 11,984 male former professional soccer players and 35,952 matched controls from the general population in Scotland.
Over a median follow-up period of 21 years, 3.62 percent of former soccer players were diagnosed with dementia, compared to 1.26 percent of controls. However, rates of general health and lifestyle dementia risk factors were similar or lower among former soccer players, such as diabetes and hypertension, compared to controls. The dementia risk associated with these factors was also similar to or lower among former soccer players.
The findings suggest that dementia risk among former professional soccer players is not influenced by potentially modifiable factors, such as general health and lifestyle choices. The authors recommend measures to reduce repetitive head impact and traumatic brain injury exposure in contact sports to address dementia risk.
This study provides valuable insight into the potential risk factors for dementia among former professional soccer players and highlights the importance of protecting athletes from head injuries to reduce the risk of cognitive decline later in life. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of sports-related head injuries on long-term brain health.
Source
Photo credit www.healthday.com