Scientists: Soccer May Lead to Dementia
Research from Cardiff University and University College London has uncovered an unexpected link between soccer and dementia.
Research from Cardiff University and University College London has uncovered an unexpected link between soccer and dementia. By examining the brains of six professional soccer players, who had dedicated around 25 years to the sport and died from progressive dementia, scientists found significant changes in the structure of gray matter. These changes were also accompanied by signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Experts explain that regular head injuries accumulated over a footballer's career may contribute to the development of dementia. Symptoms of these changes can be quite subtle: headaches, dizziness, scatterbrained behavior, and irritability— all could be signs of gray matter deterioration.
However, the researchers stress that there is not yet 100% proof of a direct link between soccer and dementia. Further, more extensive studies are planned to confirm or refute these findings.
So, if you’re still considering hanging up your cleats, it might be worth keeping this in mind—or just keep playing if you’re lucky enough to avoid issues.
Scientists: Soccer May Lead to Dementia
Research from Cardiff University and University College London has uncovered an unexpected link between soccer and dementia.
Research from Cardiff University and University College London has uncovered an unexpected link between soccer and dementia. By examining the brains of six professional soccer players, who had dedicated around 25 years to the sport and died from progressive dementia, scientists found significant changes in the structure of gray matter. These changes were also accompanied by signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Experts explain that regular head injuries accumulated over a footballer's career may contribute to the development of dementia. Symptoms of these changes can be quite subtle: headaches, dizziness, scatterbrained behavior, and irritability— all could be signs of gray matter deterioration.
However, the researchers stress that there is not yet 100% proof of a direct link between soccer and dementia. Further, more extensive studies are planned to confirm or refute these findings.
So, if you’re still considering hanging up your cleats, it might be worth keeping this in mind—or just keep playing if you’re lucky enough to avoid issues.
