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

Gallo, Valentina; McElvenny, Damien M; Seghezzo, Giulia; Kemp, Simon; Williamson, Elizabeth; Lu, Kirsty; Mian, Saba; James, Laura; Hobbs, Catherine; Davoren, Donna; +9 more... Arden, Nigel; Davies, Madeline; Malaspina, Andrea; Loosemore, Michael; Stokes, Keith; Cross, Matthew; Crutch, Sebastian; Zetterberg, Henrik; Pearce, Neil; (2021) Concussion and long-term cognitive function among rugby players-The BRAIN Study. Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 18 (6). pp. 1164-1176. ISSN 1552-5260 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12455

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.