Brain Changes Found in Small Study of Former NFL Players, University of Texas Study

In a small study of former NFL players, about one quarter were found to have "mild cognitive impairment," or problems with thinking and memory, a rate slightly higher than expected in the general population. Thirty-four ex-NFL players took part in the study that looked at their mental function, depression symptoms and brain images and compared them with those of men who did not play professional or college football. The most common deficits seen were difficulties finding words and poor verbal memory.