Recent Blog Articles
Improving access to hearing aids
Can mindfulness change your brain?
Five lifestyle factors that can help prevent gastroesophageal reflux disease
Transient ischemic attacks: Varied symptoms, all important
5 inflammation-fighting food swaps
Is IBD an underrecognized health problem in minority groups?
Sickle cell disease in newborns and children: What families should know and do
COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens: What we do — and don’t — know
Happy trails: Take a hike, now
Sleep well — and reduce your risk of dementia and death
Staying Healthy
Should I worry about grandkids’ sports?
Ask the doctor
Image: © s-c-s/Thinkstock
Q. I keep hearing that concussions can cause problems later in life. Should I be concerned about my grandkids playing sports, particularly football?
A. Sports teach kids many important life lessons, like the value of teamwork and hard work, and the importance of tenacity and resilience. The most popular sport in the United States is football. Yet evidence has emerged that repeated head injuries (common in football) may lead to a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease, which currently can be diagnosed only at an autopsy, causes difficulty thinking, severe mood swings, anger, violence — and death.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
