Results from a new study are suggesting that nearly 30% of men who used to play for the NFL have an increased tendency of developing brain disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The NFL players Association released a report on Friday that contained details about how the rate at which former NFL players could develop brain conditions at a higher rate than the general population.
The data was compiled for lawyers of former NFL players by the actuarial form, Analysis Research and Planning Corporation. Based on the numbers that they have gathered during the course of their investigation, they say that three out of 10 players will probably receive payments that are below the $765 million concussion settlement that was agreed upon should they develop any neuro-cognitive problems during their lifetime. This information that is related to brain injuries and concussions in the NFL was being withheld by the league's authorities and a lawsuit has now been filed against them for doing so. Judge Anita Brody is overseeing the lawsuit.
At the moment, there are more than 19,000 former players of the NFL that are still alive and, based on the data that was gathered, 14% of all of these men have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with moderate dementia and another 14% with Alzheimer's disease. This means that about 6,000 of them are already at risk of suffering from these mental disorders. The data also showed that there will be at least 30 of these ex-players who will be affected with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, while another 24 could potentially develop Parkinson's disease during their lifetime.
The litigating players and their legal teams claim that the release of this report is not intended to force higher payment from the NFL. They have already reached an agreement for a $765 million settlement just last year. However, parties are still waiting for this total to be affirmed by federal judges and this report could be a factor in the approval of that settlement.
