Former soccer players show higher rates of mental health issues, brain differences in study

Former professional soccer players face a higher prevalence of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, compared to individuals without a background in contact sports, according to a recent British study. The research, conducted by Imperial College London and presented at an international conference, also noted structural differences in the brains of retired players, particularly in areas related to memory and emotion.

While memory and cognitive functions appeared to be within normal ranges for the 142 participants aged 30-60, the study highlighted that 31% of former players met clinical depression criteria, versus 9% in a control group. Anxiety affected 42% of players compared to 25% in the control group. A small percentage of players showed signs of severe brain tissue shrinkage, potentially indicating a progressive neurodegenerative disease.

The study is part of a broader effort to link repeated head impacts, like those from heading a soccer ball, to an increased risk of dementia later in life. Researchers plan to monitor these players over time to track neurological changes in middle age, years before dementia typically develops. Previous studies have indicated a heightened risk of dementia for soccer players, with one Scottish study in 2019 suggesting a 3.5-fold increased risk.

“

We are at a very early stage of translating these findings into an individual risk prediction.