NHL Alumni and a Toronto neuroscience institute are teaming up on a study to track the brain health of retired players.
The Rotman Research Institute is recruiting former NHL players to participate in the study. The aim is to identify risk factors linked to cognitive decline and mental health changes as the players age.
Retired players will undergo testing to determine baseline mental status, lifestyle habits such as substance abuse, chronic health conditions and a detailed concussion history.
They will also undergo MRI scans, and blood and fluid samples will be collected to look at genetic factors and other biomarkers linked to dementia.
The former players will have follow up cognitive testing and structural brain scanning with MRI every three years.
