Study Links Multiple Rugby Concussions to Higher Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Research identifies specific biomarkers in blood that could help monitor brain health in retired players.

Scientists found elevated levels of proteins associated with MND and Alzheimer's in players with five or more concussions.
The study involved 30 retired rugby players compared to a control group of 26 athletes with no concussion history.
Researchers aim to develop a toolkit for early diagnosis and intervention of neurodegenerative diseases.
Calls for increased protection measures for current rugby players have intensified following the findings.
Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these preliminary results.