Professor Stewart’s Study Links Head Impacts

Professor Willie Stewart of Glasgow University has led a study that found no evidence linking dementia risk among former professional footballers to lifestyle or general health factors such as smoking, alcohol use or diabetes. Instead, the findings strengthen the link between heading footballs and brain injuries as a primary cause.

Stewart’s earlier research revealed that footballers are 3.5 times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases. This latest study examined electronic health records of nearly 12,000 ex-professionals and 36,000 members of the general population in Scotland. It found footballers were generally healthier with lower rates of obesity, smoking and alcohol-related disorders.

Despite this, they faced higher dementia risks, likely due to repeated head impacts. The study, funded by the FA, Professional Footballers’ Association and others was published in Jama Network Open. It reinforces concerns about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other conditions linked to head injuries.

Families of affected players, including relatives of 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles, are suing football authorities for negligence. Former Premier League players Gary Pallister and Steve Howey have also voiced health fears after years of heading balls.

Howey, a claimant in the lawsuit, has shown signs of cognitive decline. Judith Gates, founder of Head Safe Football, has called for heading to be declared a national health issue. Her husband, former player Bill Gates, died from CTE in 2023.

The FA and the PFA are continuing research and providing support for affected players. The PFA’s Football Brain Health Fund, launched in 2023, offers financial aid to former players and their families. Professor Stewart says the study “moves the conversation forward” by confirming that head impacts, not lifestyle factors, are the key risk factor.