4 min readBEHIND THE BEAUTY and drama unfolding during the World Cup—and the sport of soccer in general—is a growing and increasingly uncomfortable conversation about what sports-related concussions could be doing to the brain over time.
Anywhere from 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur every year in the U.S. alone. And researchers are increasingly studying the links between head trauma and later-in-life issues involving memory, cognition, and depression, which makes brain health one of the most urgent frontiers in the longevity conversation. That’s why it’s the subject of the latest episode of The Future You, hosted by editorial director of Men’s and Women’s Health Rich Dorment.
Dorment is joined by Taylor Twellman, one of the biggest stars in American soccer history, analyst for Apple TV, and founder of ThinkTaylor, an organization for concussion awareness, as well as Matthew Apicella, DO, a sports medicine and concussion specialist at NYU Langone Health.
The men discuss what concussions actually do to the brain, how concussion treatment has evolved, and what all of this means, not just for elite athletes and soccer players, but for anyone interested in preserving cognitive health as they age.
Here’s a look at some of the themes covered in the episode:
Twellman’s first soccer-related concussion—and how it was handled
At 17 years old, Twellman had the first of about seven or eight soccer-related concussions, and says there was no real protocol at the time simply because there was a lack of awareness and information.
What's happening inside the brain when someone gets a concussion
Dr. Apicella says that a concussion is a functional brain injury that occurs when your brain moves within your skull, creating deep changes in the blood flow leading to an “energy demand crisis.”
Twellman’s concussion analogy that Dr. Apicella may start using himself
It has to do with shaking an egg—the outside doesn’t change, but the inside certainly does.
What Twellman thinks people don't understand about post-concussion syndrome
“It is an injury that literally takes away what you take for granted," he says. "I never thought I would not go see a movie, go to a concert, be able to work out." He still has to monitor how he exercises, and deals with chronic headaches and vertigo to this day.
When the narrative around concussions started to change
Twellman believes a few key points in sports history have contributed to the shift, including Junior Seau’s death and Christoph Kramer’s concussion during the 2014 World Cup final.
Symptoms after a head injury that should never be ignored
Dr. Apicella says symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, exercise intolerance, brain fog, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety. Nausea and vomiting are also red flags.
Why heading the ball is problematic—and what’s being done about it
In the U.S., heading the ball is banned for athletes under age 11, Twellman says, also noting that safer ways to do this are being taught.
What else kids can do to protect their brains
Dr. Apicella says that one of the few things that we know is protective from concussions is having good neck strength.
Twellman’s message to parents
"I don't want parents watching this to be scared, I want them to be educated," he says.
What matters most for cognitive health over the long-term
Dr. Apicella recommends following the American Heart Association's Life’s Essential 8. “It's things that we know, but we don't always think about,” he says, like getting good exercise, nutrition, and sleep. “All of that is going to promote longevity for your cardiovascular health [and] for your brain health.”
The most surprising thing that may be injuring your brain
Dr. Apicella says it’s a lack of sleep. "Sleep is really restorative for your brain health," he says. "That's when we clean out a lot of the toxins within our brain."
What Dr. Apicella finds most exciting for the future of brain injury research right now
“I think we're going to start to see things like blood biomarkers used in the diagnosis of concussion as well as the rehab and recovery monitoring in concussion,” he says. “The data hasn't shown that we're ready to use it yet, but I think that's what we're going to start to see in the near future."
What Twellman wishes his 25-year-old self understood about brain health
“I would say to him, 'keep your eyes and ears open. Don't change the way you play because it's made you a hell of a living and you've had a hell of a career, but if this happens, shut it down,’” he says.
What Twellman wants to be remembered for
"I thought my entire life people would remember me for scoring goals and being that guy," he says. But now, he hopes his legacy is made by helping facilitate conversations around traumatic brain injuries.
Caitlin is a health and fitness journalist based in New York City. She writes for publications including The Wall Street Journal and Runner’s World. She's completed 12 marathons, including the six World Marathon Majors, is semi-fluent in French, and volunteers as a greeter on The High Line. Follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
