Pittsburgh Brain Health Initiative (BHI): protocol and methods for an observational study of cognitive function in former professional football players and controls.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Long-term brain health profiles following exposure to repetitive head impacts and/or concussions in contact sports are a public health focus and the subject of a national debate. The true prevalence rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or neurobehavioural dysregulation are unknown in the nearly 20 000 current/living former professional football players. Here, we describe the procedures and methodology of the prevalence study of cognitive function in former professional football players from the Brain Health Initiative at the University of Pittsburgh. The objective is to define the prevalence of normal cognitive function versus neurodegeneration in former professional football players through clinical, neuroimaging and biomarker assessments.

Methods and analysis<

SUBMITTER: Okonkwo DO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12742072 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature