Sports Med
-
Potential links between a history of sport-related concussions and later-life neurobiological and psychological brain health have been studied in former collision-sport athletes. However, empirical studies of how former athletes perceive the future of their brain health as a result of these injuries are missing. ⋯ Former National Football League players reported significant concerns regarding the potential effects of their prior concussions on long-term brain health, and these concerns are more prevalent now than when they were playing football. Cognitive and mental health concerns are readily identifiable targets for clinical intervention. Clinicians working with former players may wish to explore the extent to which individual players experience these concerns, the nature and depth of these concerns, and the impact of these concerns on the player's functioning and well-being.