Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on the research confirmed retired rugby players are more likely to develop Alzheimer's and motor neurone disease

The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

A new study out this week finds that retired rugby players who have suffered multiple concussions have abnormal levels of certain proteins in their blood - making them more likely to develop diseases such as Alzheimer's and motor neurone disease (MND).

The research, published in the journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences, compared 30 retired male athletes - including both rugby league and rugby union players - who had had five concussions during their careers to 26 retired sportsmen who had no history of concussion.

They found that the blood samples of players who had had five or more concussions during their careers had higher levels of certain proteins in their blood which indicated neural damage when compared to the control group.

Specifically, higher levels of proteins called serum t-tau and tau-p181, both of which play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s and motor neuron disease were found in the group who had suffered concussions.

They also found that the rugby players who had been concussed in their career had lower levels of a different so-called retinoid transport protein, which is important for the development and functioning of the brain.

The study showed that it could be possible to measure specific biomarkers through a blood test that could predict possible future disease in athletes who have suffered multiple traumas to the head. 

The research team strongly recommends that players of contact sports should be monitored after they retire, especially if they have suffered concussions and suggest that by testing early, players could receive early interventions and help for neurodegenerative diseases. 

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