One Major Cause Of Dementia, Head Trauma Kills Ex-footballer
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Trauma to the head has caused dementia that killed an ex-footballer.
The coroner reports that former Wales defender Keith Pontin had died from dementia due to repeated trauma to his head, during his playing career.
An inquest found that the late Cardiff player was diagnosed with dementia in 2026 at 59.
This was a player who played in the second tier of the English game between 1976 and 1983. He also earned two awards from Wales.
After a diagnosis in 2015, he eventually passed away in 2020 at age 64.
Pontypridd Coroner’s Court in Wales revealed the cause of his death to be Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This was stated in a post-mortem read out in the court.
The Glasgow consultant neuropathologist who examined Pontin’s brain tissue said:
“The overwhelming pathology was of chronic traumatic encephalopathy.”
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What is CTE/ What Causes CTE?
CTE is a growing brain condition believed to be triggered by constant blows to the head. Also, the victims suffer episodes of concussion.
These symptoms affect brain function which later causes dementia.
In previous research by Stewart, it was learned that the ex-footballers were exposed to the condition.
The research clearly states that ex-professionals were 3.5 times more exposed to neurodegenerative diseases compared to the general population.
In the hearing, a list of injuries suffered by Pontin was listed in court. It included a concussion when he was only 18 years old.
This situation has attracted a great concern between sporting activities and long-term brain injury.
Stewart further explained that there was “no evidence yet suggesting changes in the modern game have altered the risk”.
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The Coroner judge, David Regan agreed with Stewart based on his evidence and explanation.
According to him, Stewart was “extremely persuasive”.
He concluded that “Keith Pontin died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by a repetitive head injury suffered as a professional footballer.”
According to multiple sources, several members of the 1966 England World Cup-winning squad, including Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles battled dementia at the time of their deaths.
Source: PUNCH Health Wise.
