A recent study reveals that NFL players face a significantly higher risk of dying from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. Conducted by researchers at Boston University, Mass General Brigham, and the Concussion & CTE Foundation, the study found that former NFL players are four times more likely to die from conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia, and Parkinson's disease.

The study, which is the largest of its kind, analyzed nearly 20,000 NFL players who debuted between 1960 and 2019. According to the research, players who had longer careers, particularly those lasting five or more seasons, were at an even higher risk, doubling their chances of contracting diseases like ALS and Parkinson's. The study also noted that players in speed positions faced twice the dementia rate of non-speed players.

Despite the grim findings, the study highlighted that NFL players generally have lower mortality rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases, attributed to their physical fitness. However, the elevated risk of neurodegenerative diseases underscores the impact of repetitive head trauma experienced during their careers.

Dr. Jesse Mez, a senior coauthor of the study, explained that the findings suggest a dose-response relationship between the amount of football played and the risk of neurodegenerative disease. He emphasized the importance of understanding this relationship for players, their families, and doctors when making decisions about football play.

The study, published in _eClinicalMedicine_, also introduced the concept of the Selection Through Athletic Resilience Survivor (STARS) effect, which suggests that the physical and cognitive resilience required to become a professional athlete contributes to longer overall survival. Despite these advantages, the study indicates that the true relationship between playing in the NFL and neurodegenerative disease might be underrepresented.

For players concerned about their brain health, the study encourages seeking evaluation from specialists in neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying and managing modifiable risk factors can help support overall brain health and quality of life.

The research received funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute on Aging, and the Maloney/Carpenter Trauma-Related Neurodegenerative Disease Research Fund.

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