Research has revealed that inflammation is associated with damage to the white matter of the brain, particularly the long tract system. A study published in the Journal of Neurology found that repeated head injuries in football players were linked to increased inflammation and damage to the white matter of the brain. This research explains why some former football players are prone to neurological disorders.
Food plays a crucial role in maintaining physical and mental health. A senior researcher believes that sports like football, rugby, and martial arts, which involve frequent head injuries, have been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In a study, scientists examined 223 men, 170 of whom had played football at a college or professional level. The participants were between 50 and 59 years old.
The researchers collected blood and spinal fluid samples from each participant and used MRI scans to examine the brain structure, as well as assessing symptoms of CTE. The results showed that nearly 59% of football players had cognitive decline, while 58% had impaired ability to control emotions and behavior.
The researchers found that football players who used their heads to pass or block the ball were more likely to have changes in their brain tissue and were at a higher risk of brain damage. On the other hand, participants who did not play sports did not experience cognitive decline, and only 2% complained of difficulties in controlling emotions and behavior.
The study suggests that inflammation caused by repeated head injuries is linked to damage to the white matter of the brain, particularly the long tract system, which is responsible for regulating movement, memory, and emotions. The researchers also found that damage to the white matter was associated with cognitive decline, particularly in former football players who were at a higher risk of developing CTE.
The study’s findings suggest that targeting inflammation may be a potential way to reduce the risk of brain damage associated with repeat head injuries.
