Football Players Face Elevated Risk of Death From Neurological Causes

Professional football players may be at increased risk of death from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurological disorders, according to a new study in Neurology. Risk of death related to all neurological causes among professional football players who played in the National Football League from 1959 to 1988 was three times higher than for the general U.S. population, and the risk was four times higher for two of the major neurodegenerative subcategories—AD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, players who played “speed” positions—those such as receiver or running back that require acceleration before being hit or tackled—had a higher risk...

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Published By: Psychiatric News - Friday, 7 September