Former NFL players join brain study to uncover concussion effects

NCT ID NCT04263337

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study follows 250 former NFL players and healthy volunteers aged 50-70 over 5 years. Researchers use brain scans, blood tests, and thinking/memory assessments to understand how concussions and repeated head impacts affect long-term brain health. The goal is to gather information that could lead to future treatments, but no experimental therapy is given.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help identify early signs of brain problems in former NFL players and guide future treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead directly to any new therapies, and results may not apply to all athletes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Concussion Neurologic Manifestations traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CONCUSSION, BRAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital

Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, United States
Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

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