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Dementia is a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. A recent study conducted in Sweden found that former elite soccer players had a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.
Study Shows Higher Risk of Dementia Among Elite Soccer Players
The study, conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, analyzed the health records of over 6,000 male soccer players who played in the Swedish top division from 1924 to 2019. The study found that the risk of neurodegenerative disease was 46% higher among soccer players than in the general population.
Additionally, Alzheimer's disease were 62% more common among soccer players.
Repetitive Head Trauma May Play a Role in the Link
The study also found that outfield players, who are more likely to head the ball, are at a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease than goalkeepers, who rarely head the ball.
This finding supports the hypothesis that heading the ball may increase the potential risks. Another study conducted in Scotland also showed that former professional soccer players had a higher mortality rate from neurodegenerative disease than the general population.
Steps to Minimize Risk
The findings of the study have implications for sports organizations, players, and parents. Chris Nowinski of the Concussion Legacy Foundation in Boston suggests that the age at which children begin heading should be increased to reduce the frequency and magnitude of the associated risks.
The Football Association in England is already leading the conversation on this topic by eliminating heading before age 12. Additionally, sports organizations should set strict limits, especially on higher magnitude impacts.
The study also found that physical activity is associated with lower risks. Therefore, maintaining good physical fitness may offset some of the potential risks from head impacts.
While the study does not prove cause and effect, it highlights a potential link between elite soccer and dementia. Players, sports organizations, and parents can take steps to minimize the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
It is essential to continue researching the link between soccer and dementia to prevent and mitigate the impact of neurodegenerative diseases.
