Study shows NFL players face higher risk of neurodegenerative disease

ESPN NFL1 min read • Latest: Jul 8, 2026, 5:08 PM

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

Study shows NFL players face higher risk of neurodegenerative disease
Summary

A new study conducted by Mass General Brigham and Boston University reveals that NFL players are nearly four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population. This research analyzed data from nearly 20,000 players and indicates that both dementia and Parkinson's disease present increased risks for those who have played at least five seasons in the league. Dr. Daniel Daneshvar highlights that these findings underscore the long-term health implications athletes face from head trauma. While the findings raise concerns, the study also notes that NFL players generally live longer than non-players due to various health factors.

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Latest Updates
  • NFL players nearly four times more likely to die from neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Increased risk linked to the length of NFL career.
  • Dementia and Parkinson's disease are significant health concerns.
  • Players with five or more seasons face nearly double the risk.
  • NFL players generally have longer life expectancy than non-players.
Latest Updates
  • 9:01 PMESPN NFLStudy: NFLers die from dementia at higher rate
  • 5:08 PMYahoo SportsNew study finds NFL players nearly four times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease
What they're saying
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NFL players are four times more likely than the general population to die of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to a study released Wednesday.

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"A fourfold increase in dementia rates from a presumed environmental cause is immense."

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