Did you ever wonder about all of those helmets crashing into each other on the football field and what it might be doing to the brains inside the helmets? According to a recent study commissioned by the National Football League, Alzheimer’s disease or other memory-related problems are occurring in former football players at a rate of 19 times greater in men ages 30-49 and 5 times greater in men over 50 compared to the rest of the population.
This means that the NFL is finally recognizing a link between football and all of the concussions and cognitive decline that players are experiencing. The reality is that professional football players sustain up to as many as 25,000 hits during their careers. From this information, it can be concluded that dementia-related syndromes may be initiated by concussions in professional football players.
Dr. Daniel Amen of Amen Clinics is conducting a brain imaging study on retired NFL players. So far, after 51 players, it is clear to them that playing professional football is NOT good for the brain. Amen’s Clinic is in the process of writing about their findings for a professional journal.
Even though there is much more research to be done, there is enough evidence that should send ‘red flag’ signals to football programs at the high school and college levels. Coaches and administrators tend to follow the cues from the NFL regarding safety issues and should be even more concerned since concussions are the most common among school-age players.
Ohio State University conducted a study that was published in August, 2009 that showed 11.6% of the injuries were concussions suffered by high school students who played sports. A total of 13,755 injuries were reported between 2005 through 2008 academic years, with the highest rate of recurrent injuries occurring among football players.
Studies show that concussions have a cumulative effect on the brain. It takes 7 to 10 days to recover from a concussion. If there are second or third injuries before the brain is fully recovered, perhaps the risk for a cumulative problem is amplified. Even if there is any temporary clouding of consciousness, there may be a concussion.
If an individual is still symptomatic, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, unsteadiness, they should not return to play, according to the medical community. When the symptoms disappear they can talk with their coach or trainer about returning to sports.
Concussion is one of many potential factors in memory disorders that is being studied throughout the medical community. Meanwhile, the focus appears to be on the proper prevention and treatment of concussions in today’s game.
