Brain disease in dead NFL players 'higher than previously shown'

A recent study reveals that up to 97.7% of former NFL players who passed away between 2016 and 2021 may have suffered from brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. Out of the 878 deceased players, 235 donated their brains for research, and 215 of those brains exhibited signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can only be diagnosed post-mortem.

The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, indicate that NFL players face a four times higher risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population, according to lead author Daniel Daneshvar, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School.

The study determined a conservative minimum prevalence of CTE among deceased players at 24.5%, with a maximum prevalence of 97.7%. Researchers urge the NFL to implement prevention measures to reduce repetitive head impacts at all levels of the sport. Daneshvar points out that the majority of head impacts experienced by former NFL players occurred during college, high school, and youth levels of play, contributing to the increased risk.

An NFL spokesperson acknowledges the organization's ongoing efforts to enhance football safety, including measures to minimize concussions and head impacts. The NFL remains committed to supporting the physical and mental well-being of its community, urging former players to utilize available resources for early detection and treatment of health concerns.

CTE among American football players has garnered attention in recent years, with the NFL facing a $1 billion settlement in 2016 following a class action lawsuit involving over 5,000 former players.