Footballers Risk of Dementia 2024-04-18
2024-04-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the increased risk of dementia among former professional footballers due to repeated head impacts and raises concerns about a lack of proper support funds.
My constituent Chris Sutton, a former player for Celtic, Chelsea, Blackburn, and Norwich City, has highlighted that former players are four times more likely to suffer from CTE-related dementia. He is concerned about the absence of adequate provisions for affected ex-players and their families. Can the Minister ensure the establishment of a properly funded dementia support fund?
The PFA and Premier League have established a brain health fund with £1 million initial funding, set to evolve into a charity for long-term support. I will write to the PFA for assurances on current workings of the fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific financial commitment or timeline not provided.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expresses concern over rising vaping rates among teenagers, citing a statistic showing that in 2022, 25% of 15-year-olds had used e-cigarettes within the past month.
Given that current use of e-cigarettes among 15-year-olds is at 25%, and likely higher now, does the Minister believe it is appropriate for football clubs to sponsor vaping products? If not, will he join efforts to change this?
It is up to individual clubs and sporting bodies to set guidelines on sponsorships. While I understand the concern, I will consider it further.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether he would support efforts to ban vaping company sponsorship in sports.
Will Give It Further Consideration
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the safety of professional players, especially in light of former players suffering from dementia.
In view of numerous cases of former professional footballers developing dementia, what steps is the Department taking to ensure sports governing bodies have adequate guidance to protect players' health?
The Government has developed concussion guidelines for grassroots and professional sports, convened a research group on sports-related concussions, and an innovation panel focusing on practical solutions. Evaluation of these initiatives is ongoing.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP discusses the increased risk of dementia among former professional footballers due to repeated head impacts and raises concerns about a lack of proper support funds.
My constituent Chris Sutton, a former player for Celtic, Chelsea, Blackburn, and Norwich City, has highlighted that former players are four times more likely to suffer from CTE-related dementia. He is concerned about the absence of adequate provisions for affected ex-players and their families. Can the Minister ensure the establishment of a properly funded dementia support fund?
The PFA and Premier League have established a brain health fund with £1 million initial funding, set to evolve into a charity for long-term support. I will write to the PFA for assurances on current workings of the fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific financial commitment or timeline not provided.
Under Review
Response accuracy