Research Links Rugby Participation to Increased Risk of Dementia

Recent research conducted by the University of Auckland has revealed a significant association between former male rugby players in New Zealand and an elevated risk of developing dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases later in life. The study focused on over 13,000 men who participated in provincial or higher levels of rugby between 1950 and 2000, comparing their health outcomes with a control group of 2.4 million men from the general population, matched for age, ethnicity, and birthplace.

The findings showed that approximately 65 out of every 1,000 former rugby players were diagnosed with or died from neurodegenerative conditions during the follow-up period from 1988 to 2023, compared to 52 per 1,000 in the general population. This translates to about four additional cases annually within the rugby cohort. Notably, the risk was higher among players competing at the international or professional levels, emphasizing a possible dose-response relationship between exposure to head impacts and disease risk.

The study also found positional differences, with players in backline positions facing greater risks than forwards. Moreover, the risk increased with the number of matches played and the number of years spent playing, especially for backs. Importantly, the increased risk tended to manifest after the age of 70, with no evidence suggesting earlier onset.

This research adds to the growing body of evidence linking collision sports like rugby to long-term brain health issues, likely due to repeated head impacts. While it does not establish causation, the consistent pattern across multiple studies suggests a noteworthy connection. The authors recommend that rugby organizations implement measures to reduce head impacts, such as limiting exposure to head knocks and managing concussions effectively.

The study is part of the Kumanu Tāngata project, using anonymized linked data to explore health outcomes associated with high-level rugby. These findings reinforce the importance of awareness and preventive strategies in contact sports to safeguard players' long-term neurological health.

For more information, the study "Neurodegenerative Diseases in Male Former First-Class New Zealand Rugby Players" is published in *Sports Medicine*. Source: medicalxpress.com