Caring for former professional footballers with brain injuries: Nottingham’s Trent Bridge Cricket Ground hosts important research event.

On Wednesday, 30th October 2024, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground will host this pioneering and free to attend event focused on tackling the challenges of dementia and neurodegeneration, particularly in former professional athletes.

The event, led by researchers from Nottingham Trent University (NTU) with support from the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness, will bring together academics, healthcare professionals, activists, community groups and many others, to discuss emerging research and practical approaches to improving care for former athletes who live with neurodegeneration. 

With dementia affecting more than 944,000 people in the UK  and increasing awareness of neurodegeneration in sports, this event comes at a critical time.

Dr Christopher R. Matthews, one of the event’s organisers and leader of the project explained:

"This event is not only about sharing research—it’s about bringing together the community of Nottingham and beyond to discuss how we can better care for those affected by neurodegeneration. We want to raise awareness of these issues and encourage people to think differently about dementia care, particularly in the context of sports injuries.”

Organised with the support of Trent Bridge, the event has strong local ties, aiming to directly benefit Nottinghamshire’s growing population affected by dementia. 

The event will also address the rising concerns over neurodegenerative diseases linked to contact sports, with representation from local and national sporting organisations. And there will be lots of opportunity for participants to chat, make connections and help shape the teams future research endeavors.

Event Details:
●    Location: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Derek Randall Suite
●    Date: Wednesday, 30th October 2024
●    Time: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
●    Cost: Free (registration required)

This event is free to attend, but spaces are limited. Interested individuals, carers, healthcare professionals, and researchers can register by emailing christopher.matthews@ntu.ac.uk.

Press release provided by Nottingham Trent University