Concussion and long-term cognitive function among rugby players—The BRAIN Study

Valentina Gallo*, Damien McElvenny, Giulia Seghezzo, Simon Kemp, Elizabeth Williamson, Kirsty Lu, Saba Mian, Laura James, Catherine Hobbs, Donna Davoren, Nigel K. Arden, Madeline Davies, Andrea Malaspina, Michael Loosemore, Keith Stokes, Matthew Cross, Sebastian Crutch, Henrik Zetterberg, Neil Pearce

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Objective
The BRAIN Study was established to assess the associations between self-reported concussions and cognitive function among retired rugby players.

Methods
Former elite-level male rugby union players (50+ years) in England were recruited. Exposure to rugby-related concussion was collected using the BRAIN-Q tool. The primary outcome measure was the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC). Linear regressions were conducted for the association between concussion and PACC score, adjusting for confounders.

Results
A total of 146 participants were recruited. The mean (standard deviation) length of playing career was 15.8 (5.4) years. A total of 79.5% reported rugby-related concussion(s). No association was found between concussion and PACC (β –0.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): –1.31, 0.26]). However, participants aged 80+ years reporting 3+ concussions had worse cognitive function than those without concussion (β –1.04 [95% CI: –1.62, –0.47]).

Conclusions
Overall there was no association between concussion and cognitive function; however, a significant interaction with age revealed an association in older participants.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1164-1176
Number of pages13
JournalAlzheimer & Dementia
Volume18
Issue number6
Early online date20-Oct-2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun-2022

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