Premier League stars at greater risk of dementia from heading the ball than footballers in the past

PREMIER League stars are at greater risk of dementia from heading the ball than footballers in the past, experts fear. The danger is growing because the modern, plastic ball travels at greater speed and is headed more often. It will lead to an explosion in dementia cases unless action is taken, say researchers, who have […]

PREMIER League stars are at greater risk of dementia from heading the ball than footballers in the past, experts fear.

The danger is growing because the modern, plastic ball travels at greater speed and is headed more often.

Rex

Previous studies suggest players from yesteryear were at up to five times higher risk. World Cup winners, including Jack Charlton, were among those affected[/caption]

It will lead to an explosion in dementia cases unless action is taken, say researchers, who have launched a ground-breaking study to find ways to lessen the effect.

Brain expert Professor Willie Stewart said the dementia risk could be worse for players in the modern era.

He warned: “It’s a car crash waiting to happen.”

Previous studies suggest players from yesteryear were at up to five times higher risk.

World Cup winners, including Jack Charlton, were among those affected.

Now Prof Stewart is signing up 150 ex-pros from the 1990s and 2000s for his study at Glasgow University.

He told the Dementias 2022 conference in London: “The old balls were heavier when they got wet but they were also travelling slower.

“Modern balls don’t absorb water and move fast through the air — the speed of the ball is a bigger problem.”