Concussion and motor neurone disease: what we know 

A new study has recently been published on the difference in levels of proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease such as MND, in rugby players with a history of repeated concussions and athletes with no history of concussions.

This study found that retired rugby players with a history of cumulative concussions had higher levels of some proteins associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and MND, and lower levels of some proteins associated with brain function and development, compared to athletes who did not suffer repeated concussions

Concussion and potential link to MND has been also studied in New Zealand. A recent study of head injury and MND, by Dr Grace Chen and colleagues, found that 33% of MND patients reported having had a head injury with a concussion, compared to 22% among the general population controls. Multiple head injuries with concussions were associated with an increased risk of MND in New Zealand. This supports earlier findings that repeated concussions are associated with increased risk of MND.

“It is also important to note that not playing any sports is not an option for intervention in MND because of the many health benefits of physical activity.  Playing sports safely and avoiding concussions, especially repeated concussions, is key”.

Dr Grace Chen

Dr Grace Chen, researcher at the Massey University Centre for Public Health Research, says: “most of the head injuries with concussions occurred while playing sport, highlighting leisure sports as an important area for preventing head injuries that may contribute to MND risk. Although none of the participants were professional athletes, preventing repeated head injuries with concussions applies to both professional and leisure sports”.

While most people who have had concussions do not get MND, seeking treatment promptly, taking a break from sports, allowing the brain to heal completely and avoiding repeat concussions can help prevent long term problems. We are pleased that there have been efforts to reduce head trauma in sports and encourage more efforts in this regard.

Dr Chen adds that “it is also important to note that not playing any sports is not an option for intervention in MND because of the many health benefits of physical activity.  Playing sports safely and avoiding concussions, especially repeated concussions, is key”.

Currently, there’s no cure and very few therapies available for MND, and little is known about the causes of non-familial MND, which makes up a large proportion of all MND cases. We are encouraged by the emergence of research into potential risk factors, and welcome discussion and future research on opportunities for prevention of MND.