A landmark study confirmed what many – including the family of West Brom and England legend Jeff Astle – long suspectedSo now we know. Revealed last week, the results of a landmark study into the relationship between football and brain damage confirmed what many in and outside the game have long suspected: former professionals are significantly more likely to suffer from dementia and other serious neurological diseases in their later years. Three-and-a-half times more likely, to be precise. The research project, conducted over nearly two years by the University of Glasgow’s Brain Injury Group also discovered a five-fold increase in the risk of Alzheimer’s, a four-fold increase in motor neurone disease and a two-fold increase in Parkinson’s. What football – those who play, coach and govern the sport – decides to do with this crucial information remains to be seen but recent history suggests any real progress in the field of player safety will be made at a glacial pace.Dawn Astle spent time on the night of her 34th birthday alone with her father, who had just died after choking during a family dinner. Frantic efforts by relatives and paramedics had failed to save Jeff, the former West Brom and England legend who, at 54, had first begun to show symptoms of the brain damage that would eventually lead to his death. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, his descent into utter helplessness was swift and before his death five years later he was incontinent, barely able to feed himself and had no idea who he or anyone around him was. In Michael Calvin’s book State of Play, Dawn tells the author that as her father’s body lay in repose she swore an oath on his behalf. “If football has done this to you, Dad,” she said. “I promise you I’ll make sure the whole world knows and I’ll get justice for you.” Related: Landmark study reveals link between football and dementia Continue readingreadfullarticle
