A study by Imperial College London found structural brain differences in retired British professional soccer players aged 30 to 60 compared to controls without a history of contact sports or concussion [1, 2, 3]. The research analyzed 124 players' MRI brain scans alongside 40 controls, out of a total of 142 former players studied [1, 2, 3].

While MRI scans revealed less grey matter volume in regions controlling memory and emotion among former players, no significant differences appeared in memory or thinking test scores after adjusting for age and education [1, 3]. Only about 2% of former players showed signs of severe brain shrinkage indicative of active neurodegeneration [1, 3]. Researchers did not find a direct link between these brain changes and Alzheimer’s disease [1, 3].

Despite stable cognitive performance, former players reported higher rates of clinical depression (31% vs. 9% in controls) and anxiety (42% vs. 25%) [1, 2, 3]. Some self-reported lower thinking and decision-making skills compared to controls [2]. The study included players from the Premier League, Championship, and Women’s Super League and was funded by the Football Association and Professional Footballers' Association [2].

Heather Snyder, senior vice-president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association, said, “This is the first and largest study of its kind looking at the brain health of retired football players in mid-life, and we are seeing these brain changes at a point before we could expect to see clinical symptoms” [2]. She added that findings will help inform players, clinicians, sports organisations, and parents about risks related to contact sports [2].

Thomas Parker, consultant neurologist at Imperial College London, said, “The field is taking a more holistic view of brain health and dementia risk” [1].

The study’s findings were presented on July 12, 2026, at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference [1, 2, 3]. Researchers plan to follow up with the players every two years as part of a longer-term study to track changes over time [1, 3].