The findings of the FIELD study raise concerns about the lifelong brain health of former football players.

 BrainHOPE aims to identify tests for early detection of problems and ways to reduce the risk of dementia in former footballers.

The study aims to compare brain health in former football players to 700 control subjects from the general population using brain imaging and testing. Additionally, it will investigate whether any differences in brain health could aid in managing known dementia risk factors.

The FIELD investigation was initiated after claims that former West Brom striker Jeff Astle died from repetitive head trauma. Experts are investigating concerns that head impacts may be associated with brain injuries. New guidelines were published in July of last year, stating that professional footballers in England would be limited to 10 'high force headers' per week starting from the 2021-22 season.

A study conducted in August revealed that defenders are more likely to experience dementia later in life than players in other positions. The Professional Footballers' Association established a dedicated care department earlier this year for former players suffering from neurodegenerative diseases (NDD).