English Premier League, Dementia, and the Legacy Behind Head Safe Football with Dr. Judith Gates Artwork

Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast

Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, discusses all things concussion. From the physiology, effects, treatment and rehabilitation process. All with the aim of providing the tools and education to help patients.

DISCLAIMER:
All information discussed and provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice of doctors or healthcare practitioners. If a listener believes they are suffering from a similar injury to one discussed by the author, please seek medical care of your doctor or physician and do not rely on the author's advice.

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Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast

English Premier League, Dementia, and the Legacy Behind Head Safe Football with Dr. Judith Gates

August 05, 2025 • Dr Reece Granger BSc (Hons), BChiro • Episode 89

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In this episode of Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, we’re honoured to welcome Dr Judith Gates — educator, researcher, and founder of Head Safe Football. With a distinguished career spanning education and strategic planning, including roles at Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Gates now channels her expertise into raising awareness about sports-related brain injuries. Inspired by the legacy of her late husband, former professional footballer Bill Gates, she is a leading voice in the fight to protect athletes from the dangers of repetitive head impacts.

- Bill and Judith Gates Legacy (01:30)

- Repetitive Head Impacts in Bills Playing Career (07:30)

- Noticing the signs and Symptoms of Dementia (09:34)

- Diagnosis (13:00)

- Head Safe Football (18:57) – ‘Think Head Safe, Reduce Heading in Training’

- It’s Not the Old Heavy Footballs Myth (23:29)

- Head Safe Charity Match Results (24:50)

- Cost of Care (29:55)

- Head Safe Football Detail (35:20)

- Favourite Memories (38:00)

Head Safe Football:

https://headsafefootball.org.uk