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Nervous system diseases

Neurodegenerative Dementia Linked to Contact Sports, Particularly Rugby Union

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry has found a strong association between contact sports, such as rugby union, and higher rates of neurodegenerative dementia. The study, funded by several organizations, including the Swedish State Support for Clinical Research and the Alzheimer's Society, used ultrasensitive multiplexed immunoassays to analyze plasma biomarkers in 197 former elite rugby players and 33 controls. The results showed distinctive plasma biomarker changes, more prominently in ex-forwards, possibly reflecting greater repetitive head impacts exposure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that contact sports, including rugby union, are associated with higher rates of neurodegenerative dementia, due to underlying pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
  • Midlife plasma proteomic profiles indicated altered amyloid and tau processing in former elite rugby players.
  • The research used ultrasensitive multiplexed immunoassays to quantify exposure-specific protein expression, relationship to trauma, and brain atrophy.
  • 24 (12.2%) of the former elite rugby players met criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) but none had dementia.
  • Biomarkers, including plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), kallikrein-6 (KLK6), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), were found to be altered in ex-players, with potential diagnostic or prognostic utility.
  • The study concluded that longitudinal characterization, including comparison with other neurodegenerative diseases, is necessary to further understand the relationship between contact sports and neurodegenerative dementia.

Statistics:

  • 197 former elite rugby players were assessed in the study.
  • 33 controls were included in the study.
  • 24 (12.2%) of the former elite rugby players met criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) but none had dementia.
  • Plasma KLK6 was reduced across the ex-player group, with potential diagnostic or prognostic utility.
  • Reduced GFAP and SNAP25 in ex-forwards had an uncertain basis.
  • Elevated p-tau was associated with non-AD tau pathology.

Sources:

  • Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2025
  • Midlife plasma proteomic profiles indicate altered amyloid and tau processing in former elite rugby players (N Engl J Med, 2025, [Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2025]
  • Swedish State Support for Clinical Research
  • Alzheimer's Society
  • The Football Association
  • Premiership Rugby
  • University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre
  • Olav Thon Foundation
  • UK Dementia Research Institute
  • Rugby Football Union
  • Cure Alzheimer's Fund
  • Medical Research Council
  • Fourth Framework Programme
  • Alzheimer's Association
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research

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