Can playing American football increase Parkinson’s disease risk?
Can playing American football increase Parkinson's disease risk?
The Link Between American Football and Parkinson’s Disease: Exploring the Risks of Head Trauma
Playing impact sports such as football come at a high risk of experiencing head trauma. Bettmann/Getty Images
Almost one million people in the United States and over 8.5 million worldwide are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. This neurodegenerative disorder has seen a significant increase in prevalence, as reported by the World Health Organization. In 2019, more than 8.5 million individuals were estimated to have Parkinson’s. While the exact causes of the disease are not fully understood, research suggests that head trauma may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Understanding the Impact of Contact Sports on Neurodegenerative Disorders
People who engage in contact sports, particularly those involving head collisions, are more likely to experience head trauma. Various studies have associated head trauma with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s. Now, a groundbreaking study led by researchers from Boston University has further highlighted the potential risks associated with American football.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, utilized data from 1,875 men participating in the Fox Insight online clinical study of Parkinson’s. Of these participants, 729 had a history of playing football, while 1,146 were involved in non-football sports. The researchers controlled for various factors, including demographics and known Parkinson’s risk factors, such as age, education level, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Strong Link Between Football and Parkinson’s
The study revealed a significant link between playing football and an increased risk of Parkinson’s or parkinsonism. The risk was found to be even higher for those who played the sport for an extended period and at a high level. In fact, individuals with a history of playing football faced a 61% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s compared to those who participated in non-football sports.
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It is important to note that while the study adds to the growing body of evidence linking impact sports with neurodegenerative disorders, it is not a random or representative sample. However, the strength and dose-response relationship observed in the study are concerning. According to Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurology expert and co-author of Ending Parkinson’s Disease, “head trauma, especially repeated head trauma, is likely an important risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease.”
While further research is needed to validate these findings, the study contributes to the increasing understanding of the potential impact of head trauma on Parkinson’s disease. It highlights the need for more data on the relationship between contact sports, concussions, and the long-term risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Disease and Its Causes
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s substantia nigra. The disease leads to a wide range of symptoms, including hand tremors, slow movements, limb rigidity, postural instability, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and sleep disorders.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but various treatments can help manage symptoms. These treatments include dopaminergic medications to replenish dopamine levels, speech and occupational therapy, and surgical interventions targeting specific brain regions responsible for certain symptoms. Scientists believe that Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have consistently linked repeated head trauma to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s, shedding light on its potential causes.
Reducing Parkinson’s Risk by Preventing Head Trauma
Avoiding or minimizing head trauma is vital for reducing the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and other related neurodegenerative disorders. Brain trauma can result in neuronal injury and even cell death. Furthermore, it triggers a cascade of events leading to the accumulation of abnormal structures in the brain, such as Lewy bodies associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Prominent experts emphasize the importance of informing and educating individuals about the risks associated with head injuries, particularly in sports and recreational activities. Implementing preventive measures, such as wearing helmets during biking activities or modifying contact sports like soccer to reduce or eliminate heading, can significantly lower the risk of head trauma and the subsequent development of neurological disorders.
Dr. Michael S. Okun, a Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor, stresses the significance of collecting and publishing more data on the relationship between contact sports, concussions, and the later development of Parkinson’s disease. According to Dr. Okun, avoiding concussions and repeat concussions is crucial, but it requires comprehensive education and awareness.
In conclusion, the study linking American football to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease sheds further light on the potential consequences of head trauma. While the research is ongoing and replication is necessary, the cumulative evidence connecting head injuries to neurological disorders is compelling. Understanding the risks associated with contact sports and taking measures to prevent head trauma can contribute to a significant reduction in the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and other related conditions.
“The ‘drip drip drip’ of studies showing concussion and Parkinson’s disease to be related are collectively compelling; however, before we draw conclusions about individual sports, we need to show and replicate these effects beyond a simple survey methodology.” – Dr. Michael S. Okun, board-certified neurosurgeon, and director of neurosurgery at Pacific Neuroscience Institute-South Bay in Torrance, California.
