Defenders more exposed than other footballers to neurodegenerative diseases

Defenders are more likely than footballers in other positions of developing neurodegenerative diseases due to their more frequent use of head games, shows a new study released by the University of Glasgow. The risks of neurodegenerative disease in goalkeepers are no higher than in the average population, this research points out. But they are four times higher among field players, and five times higher among defenders, in whom head injuries and the number of heads made are more numerous. Another risk factor is career length, according to the study. This is twice as high as in an average subject in the event of a short career, but it can be multiplied by five in the event of a long career. "

, ”commented neuropathologist Willie Stewart , professor at the University of Glasgow, by announcing these results.