Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Function in Former American Football Players

What is the association between prior American football participation and cognitive and neuropsychiatric function in men 40 years or older?In this cross-sectional study of 3970 former football players, higher level of football play and more years of football play were associated with worse computerized cognitive test performance and greater neuropsychiatric symptoms. Compared with 282 matched controls, 661 former football players performed worse on a computerized cognitive test, had more subjective cognitive concerns, and had more severe depressive symptoms.These findings support an association between football play and worse later-life cognitive and neuropsychiatric function.

Corresponding Author: Michael L. Alosco, PhD, Boston University Chobanian malosco@bu.edu).

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