The Headway Concussion Aware campaign is gathering momentum as a new study by the UCL Queen Square Brain Bank has suggested a possible link between playing football and developing dementia in later life.
The campaign is aiming to ensure that everyone can enjoy sport, while being better protected from the risks of concussion. Amateur sports clubs, schools, colleges and universities across the UK are invited to sign up to the campaign and pledge to be more aware of the signs of concussion and the dangers of not removing participants when concussion is suspected.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway – the brain injury association, said: “Any study that helps us to better understand brain injury has to be looked at seriously.
“We have known for some time that there is a link between the cumulative effect of repeated blows to the head – such as those suffered by boxers – and degenerative neurological conditions such as dementia.
“The focus should remain on ensuring everyone involved in the game is Concussion Aware and takes an ‘if in doubt, sit it out!’ approach to head injuries and concussion.”
To raise awareness within football No5 has donated their back of shirt sponsorship of Birmingham City to Headway for the Newcastle United fixture on March 18th. Further details to follow.
