Study links dementia to soccer ball heading

Soccer players who repeatedly head the ball over a long career could be at an increased danger or suffering dementia.

Different physical activities are historically known to promote one’s general health, but a new study has underscored the dangers that sports may bear by pinpointing that soccer players are at a heightened risk of developing brain problems.

The research conducted at University College London concluded that professional soccer players are prone to developing a degenerative brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

According to the study, years of heading the ball and repeated collisions can trigger the progressive ailment, which in turn may cause various forms of dementia. The findings come from a study of 14 deceased football retirees diagnosed with dementia who had started their career on the pitch in childhood or in their early teens.

The findings may imply a need for new approaches to coaching on how to head a ball safely, but researchers say they need additional evidence before raising serious concerns.

Researchers say it is very difficult to draw clear conclusions about current sportsmen because CTE is only diagnosed posthumously. Nevertheless, uncertainties have prompted the English Football Association to call on the football world body to investigate the case further.

 


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