A recent study conducted at Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center has found a potential link between playing football and an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease. The study, which is the largest of its kind, analyzed data from a large online study called Fox Insight, sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The researchers evaluated 1,875 participants, including both football players and non-football athletes, and found that those with a history of playing organized tackle football had a 61% increased likelihood of having a reported parkinsonism or Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Dr. Michael L. Alosco, an associate professor of neurology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and the corresponding author of the study, emphasized that while playing football may potentially contribute to an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, there are many other environmental, genetic, and risk factors at play. Not everyone who plays football will develop the disease. However, this study highlights the need for early detection and diagnosis of Parkinson’s and the importance of identifying risk factors.
It has long been known that boxers are at risk for Parkinson’s and parkinsonism, but this study is one of the first to explore the association between football and the disease. Previous research from Boston University’s Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center has connected repetitive head impacts from football with pathologies that cause parkinsonism. This study further strengthens the evidence of a potential link between football and neurological conditions.
The study also found that players with longer careers and those who played at higher levels of competition had a greater likelihood of being diagnosed with parkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease. However, the age of first exposure to football did not appear to be associated with the odds of developing these conditions.
Dr. Sara Gould, an associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study, praised its focus on amateur athletes rather than just professional athletes. Given the millions of people who participate in amateur football leagues, she emphasized the importance of continuing research to understand the potential health consequences of playing football.
It is important to note that this study does not establish causality between playing football and developing Parkinson’s disease. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between contact sports like football and neurological outcomes. Despite the study’s limitations, Dr. Alosco urged continued education about the potential risks of playing football on the brain, so that players, coaches, and parents can make informed decisions about participation.
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