The American Academy of Neurology released a comprehensive study last week, just before the 2012 NFL football season began, that confirms significant previously held beliefs that head injuries cause neurologic problems later in life. The study, published in the medical journal Neurology, followed approximately 3500 retired professional football players, and found that professional football players were three times more likely to have neurodegenerative diseases than the general population.
The study also found that professional footballers were at a four times greater risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The study found a higher incidence, compared to the general population, of players afflicted with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Finally, the study found that players, compared to the general population, were at an increased risk of dying from a neurological disorder.
Interesting article…you would wonder how these players wouldn’t have any damages playing this sport.
I think this information needs to get out there but I don’t think it will change much as it’s not going to stop the majority of professional players from playing. There needs to be access to tips on how to reduce these issues, for example wearing proper head gear to protect themselves.
In sports such as football to a certain extent there will always be injuries whether it be to the head or other parts of the body. However, some injuries can be reduced there is a difference between tackling someone and punching someone in the head… I think that young people need to be reminded on this when they are playing sports such as football.