The Beautiful Game and the Ugly Truth: Football's Tragic Link with Dementia

The Beautiful Game and The Ugly Truth: Football s Tragic Link to Dementia is an emotional exploration of the world's most popular sport and its connection to a devastating disease. Jeff Astle's death in 2002 was ruled as the result of heading footballs, and Dr. Willie Stewart's FIELD study found that former footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease than the general population.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The Beautiful Game and The Ugly Truth: Football's Tragic Link to Dementia

Football, the world's most popular sport, has a profound connection to a devastating disease: dementia. In 2002, a coroner's ruling confirmed that Jeff Astle's death at the age of 59 was caused by heading footballs. His daughter, Dawn, believes that football does not consider itself a killer, but her father's death certificate serves as evidence to the contrary.

Twenty years after Jeff's passing, the evidence of football's impact continues to accumulate. In 2019, Dr. Willie Stewart's groundbreaking FIELD study revealed that former footballers are three-and-a-half times more likely than the general population to die from a neurodegenerative disease. In 2020, Sir Bobby Charlton became the fifth member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning side to be diagnosed with dementia. Countless families have suffered the loss of loved ones, and modern professional players are also grappling with the fear of developing this condition.

It is crucial to understand that the blame should not be placed solely on the old heavy leather footballs. The game has evolved significantly over the years, with modern players subjected to higher speeds, more physical contact, and more frequent head injuries. The impact of these factors on brain health is a complex issue that requires further research and attention.

Players, coaches, and medical professionals must work together to address the risks associated with football. This includes implementing safety measures, such as better protective equipment and stricter rules to prevent head injuries. It also involves raising awareness about the symptoms of dementia and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, society as a whole must recognize the importance of football in our lives and the potential impact it can have on brain health. Education programs, public campaigns, and support networks can help to reduce the stigma associated with dementia and provide assistance to those affected by the disease.

In conclusion, football's tragic link to dementia is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. While the old heavy leather footballs may have played a role.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801501187