Just as the NFL season officially gets underway, new research shows professional football players may be at a higher risk of dying from diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
During his eight seasons as a running back in the NFL, Kevin Turner had plenty of collisions. "Ringing in your ears or you may see a few spots," Turner explained.
Now the 43-year-old is battling ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. A new study shows players like Turner may be more likely to die from diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's because they damage the cells in the brain.
"Three times the risk of dying from these diseases than you would expect from the general population," Everett Lehman with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health said about the research.
Recent studies suggest that head injuries on the field may lead to neurological problems. But the researchers of this study stopped short of drawing that conclusion.
For Turner, it's been two years since doctors diagnosed him with ALS. The disease has no cure and patients eventually lose control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. "Never did I think that my mental or cognitive abilities would be impaired by playing this game," Turner said.
Some former NFL players are suing the league, accusing the NFL of hiding information about brain injury risks. The NFL says it has taken significant steps to address head injuries and protect players.
Written by Wendy Damonte
