Results for: Head Injuries

A study examining the link between head injuries and dementia among former footballers, supported by the Football Association (FA) and England manager Gareth Southgate, has faced accusations of conflict of interest. Three key researchers involved in the study, titled Health and Ageing Data in the Game of Football (HEADING), were also members of a council tasked with addressing the issue of dementia in football. The initial findings of the study suggest no association between heading a football and poorer cognitive function among ex-professional players. However, many neurologists disagree with these conclusions. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as two co-authors of the HEADING study remain members of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), which is considering whether to recognize dementia in football as an industrial disease. Despite the FA’s involvement in promoting the study, it did not run or financially support the research.

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis has urged the Australian government to invest $18 million in research and awareness programs for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Lewis, who has been diagnosed with probable CTE and early onset dementia, spoke at the National Press Club in Canberra on Tuesday, sharing his personal experiences with the debilitating condition. Lewis emphasized the importance of educating players about the risks associated with contact sports and called for stricter protocols to prevent head injuries on the field.

Long-time Sharks forward Dale Finucane has been medically retired due to ongoing head injury concerns. The 31-year-old has suffered multiple head knocks throughout his career, and doctors have advised him to retire for his long-term health.