New Study Links Early Head Impact to Adult Memory and Thinking Issues
A neurologist and lawyer, Dr. James C. Johnston serves as a partner with Global Neurology Consultants. To stay at the forefront of the neurology field, Dr. James C. Johnston maintains membership with a number of professional organizations including the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The AAN’s medical journal, Neurology®, recently published a study that found retired NFL players who played tackle football prior to age 12 had an increased likelihood of thinking and memory issues as adults. In the study, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine tested 42 former NFL players who had reported memory and thinking difficulties for a minimum of six months, as well as a similar number of concussions. The study included two equal-sized groups, one with players who had played tackle football earlier than age 12, and one group of players who hadn’t. After analyzing data from players’ performance on recall tests and mental flexibility tests, the researchers discovered a 20 percent difference in functioning on a number of measures between the two groups of football players. The study also accounted for the age of the players and the total number of years they played football. While larger studies are needed to confirm the findings, the study suggests the existence of a critical period of brain development, in which repeated head trauma can result in more serious memory and cognitive difficulties in later life. The researchers hope the study can be used to foster safer youth sports.
