A comprehensive new study has revealed a stark reality for professional American football players: they face a significantly higher risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. Research conducted by the Concussion & CTE Foundation, in collaboration with Mass General Brigham and Boston University, indicates that NFL players are four times more likely to die from such conditions.
Elevated Risk of Neurodegenerative Death
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 20,000 NFL players, found that the rate of death due to neurodegenerative diseases among former professional football players is four times greater than what would be expected in the general population. Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a range of debilitating conditions, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Huntington’s disease.
Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, and director of the HealthSpan Lab, commented on the findings. “This is the clearest population-level evidence we have ever had that NFL players are dying due to neurodegenerative disease at real and measurably higher rates,” Dr. Daneshvar stated. “This study demonstrates that, when looking at athletes who have played in an NFL game, including nearly 20,000 players, across every official cause of death, the result is the same: NFL players are dying of dementia and Parkinson’s disease three to four times more often than they should.”
Impact of Career Length
Further analysis within the study highlighted a correlation between the duration of a player’s career and their risk. Athletes who played in the NFL for five or more seasons exhibited a nearly doubled risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases when compared to those who played for four seasons or fewer. This suggests that cumulative exposure to the physical demands of the sport may play a crucial role in the development of these conditions.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) as a Primary Factor
While the study points to a broad increase in neurodegenerative conditions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is identified as a likely primary driver. CTE, a progressive degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head trauma, is a well-documented concern among former football players. Brain bank studies have consistently indicated a high prevalence of CTE in individuals who played professional football.
Dr. Jesse Mez, Associate Director of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and Co-Director of Clinical Research at the BU CTE Center, emphasized the significance of these findings. “A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense — and brain bank studies indicate that CTE is the primary explanation,” Dr. Mez explained. He drew a comparison to the known dangers of lead exposure, noting that even significant lead exposure, which led to its ban in paint and gasoline due to its neurological and cardiovascular effects, resulted in a 2-to-3 times greater rate of dementia and a 1.5 times greater rate of cardiovascular death. The fourfold increase observed in NFL players suggests a comparable, if not greater, level of risk.
Broader Context and Awareness
It is important to note that, despite the increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, NFL players generally tend to live longer overall than the non-athlete population. The study acknowledges that the same characteristics enabling individuals to reach the professional level—such as exceptional physical and cognitive performance, resilience, self-discipline, and lower rates of smoking and serious early illnesses—also contribute to longer overall survival.
However, this longevity does not negate the profound impact of neurodegenerative conditions. Previous research has also indicated a significantly higher risk of developing ALS among professional football players, with one study finding a four-times greater risk compared to the general population. This heightened risk has been a subject of research and public discussion for decades, with players and the public increasingly aware of the potential long-term health consequences associated with playing professional football.
Conclusion: A Grim Reality Check
This latest research provides substantial evidence of the severe neurodegenerative health risks faced by NFL players. The elevated mortality rates from conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s, strongly linked to head trauma and CTE, present a grim reality check for the sport. While awareness has grown, the findings underscore the urgent need for continued research, preventative measures, and support systems for athletes affected by these devastating diseases.
