Biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration in mid-life former rugby players.

ABSTRACT: Repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injuries in contact sports, such as rugby union, are associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Advances in fluid and imaging biomarkers are transforming dementia diagnosis but have not been systematically applied to individuals previously exposed to head impacts during rugby participation. We used biomarkers, including those with sensitivity and specificity for early Alzheimer's pathology to explore neurodegenerative risk in mid-life elite retired rugby players with significant repetitive head impact exposure. Plasma neurofilament light, glial fibrillary acid protein, amyloid-β (Aβ)42, Aβ40 and phospho-tau217 were quantified using ultrasensitive single molecule a

SUBMITTER: Graham NSN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12316018 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature