Response to Durham University research into multiple rugby concussions and neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at Durham University recently published (17 July 2024) a study on the difference in the levels of proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease in retired rugby players with a history of concussions, and athletes without a concussion history. 

The study focused on retired rugby players with a history of repeated concussions and a non-contact sports group. Researchers found that blood samples from players with a history of concussions contained higher levels of proteins in their blood that would make them more susceptible to developing a neurodegenerative disease. Examples of neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s and motor neuron disease (MND). 

The study found that retired rugby players with a history of concussion had higher levels of some proteins associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and lower levels of some proteins associated with brain function and development, compared to players who did not suffer repeated concussions. Many of the proteins they studied, however, did not show any change. 

The results do not indicate that repeated concussions increase the chance of an individual developing MND. 

Currently there are no specific biomarkers for MND, so no MND-specific protein was monitored in this study. Levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), which is released by neurons when they are damaged or degenerate, were examined. NfL is now being used as a biomarker in clinical trials testing potential MND treatments, such as the recent Biogen trial with tofersen, but it is a marker for general neurodegeneration, not MND. The study found that there was no difference in neurofilament light chain levels between rugby players with repeated concussion, compared to those without. 

Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “This study does not indicate that repeated concussions increase the chance of an individual developing MND. While the findings are interesting, it is a small study with fifty-six men participating, and there are currently no specific biomarkers for MND, so no MND-specific protein was monitored in this study.  

“The study does provide a sensible direction of travel in terms of developing ways to support better health outcomes for contact sport athletes who have experienced concussions, but the initial research would need to be followed up with a representative sample in a larger study.”

The publication can be read here.