Takeaway
Childhood family dysfunction could be a risk factor for dementia symptoms and poor neuropsychiatric health in later life in former professional football players.
Why this matters
Adverse childhood experiences, including neglect and abuse, have been linked to poor cognitive and mental health in adulthood, but the extent of the connection is unknown; this is one of the first studies to investigate the association of childhood abuse and family dysfunction with dementia.
These findings suggest that in former players with a history of family dysfunction, treatment of psychological trauma may improve cognitive and psychological functioning; in addition, these players may be at increased risk of concussion.